Yesterday’s report that former eight-year NFL head coach, Herm Edwards, will be interviewed by ASU’s Vice President of Athletics, Ray Anderson on Saturday, now appears a mere formality.
Devils Digest confirmed earlier reports that Edwards, 63, will be the next ASU football head coach, and has learned that a deal has been in place for days now. Saturday’s meeting will be the final stamp of approval as Crow and Edwards will meet. Devils Digest reported that any official announcement of a hire will take place, not before Monday, December 4th.
Anderson was Edwards’ agent during his eight-year career as an NFL coach and was initially believed, along with Tony Dungy, to serve as advisors in his coaching search. This advisory role, ultimately turn into a coaching candidacy and in a few days, is very likely to become an official hire. Devils Digest learned that a deal has been in place for days now.
Edwards is currently an ESPN analyst and in a video network interview, talked about him and Anderson having “the same philosophy about the things we want to do.”
Edwards hasn't coached since 2008, and in his eight seasons as an NFL head coach, he compiled a 54-74 record with the New York Jets and Kansas City Chiefs. Since then he has worked as an analyst for ESPN.
In an interview this morning with Doug and Wolf on Arizona Sports 98.7 FM, Edwards talked about the appeal the Arizona State job had for him.
"For me, where I'm at in my life,” Edwards said, “everything had to come into play where it was a fit. And I think it's more important that it's a fit and this happened to be a fit. It has to be the right fit. Coaching is about fit.”
Anderson in his Sunday press conference announcing the dismissal of outgoing head coach Todd Graham, talked about his wish of wanting offensive coordinator Billy Napier and defensive coordinator Phil Bennett, to stay on board along with the rest of the assistant coaches. Devils Digest has learned that right now all assistants are expected to remain.
Stay tuned for other news concerning this hire.
