In a bold and widely discussed move that drew national attention, Arizona State University and Vice President of University Athletics Ray Anderson announced the hiring of former NFL head coach and ESPN analyst …
-word article based on your prompt about Herm Edwards being named the 24th head coach of Arizona State football:
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Herm Edwards Named 24th Head Coach of Arizona State Football
In a bold and widely discussed move that drew national attention, Arizona State University and Vice President of University Athletics Ray Anderson announced the hiring of former NFL head coach and ESPN analyst Herm Edwards as the 24th head coach of Sun Devil Football. The announcement, made on December 3, 2017, signaled a new chapter for the Sun Devil program—one rooted in NFL experience, media savvy, and a commitment to building not just a team, but a culture.
Herm Edwards, well known to football fans across the country for his passionate coaching style and memorable soundbites—particularly the iconic “You play to win the game!” quote from his time with the New York Jets—stepped into the college football world after nearly a decade in broadcasting with ESPN. The move marked a return to the sidelines for Edwards, who had not coached since his tenure as head coach of the Kansas City Chiefs ended in 2008.
His appointment surprised many in the college football community, both because of his long absence from coaching and because of his minimal experience in the college ranks. However, for Arizona State and Ray Anderson, it was a calculated decision.
A Vision Beyond the Field
Anderson, who had previously worked with Edwards during their shared time in the NFL, emphasized that the hiring of Herm Edwards was part of a broader strategy to modernize Sun Devil Athletics. The goal was not only to compete for Pac-12 championships but also to build a sustainable model of excellence that integrated athletic performance with character development, academic achievement, and long-term success.
“We are not just hiring a football coach,” Anderson stated during the announcement. “We are hiring a CEO of Sun Devil Football.”
Anderson outlined a vision of a “New Leadership Model,” one that would treat the football program as an enterprise, combining the organizational structure of a professional team with the spirit and development goals of a collegiate program. Herm Edwards, with his decades of experience managing NFL teams and mentoring young players, was seen as an ideal fit to implement that vision.
Herm’s Football Journey
Edwards’ football journey began as a player. A standout defensive back at San Diego State University, he went on to have a 10-year NFL career, most notably with the Philadelphia Eagles, where he played under legendary coach Dick Vermeil. Known for his intelligence and ball-hawking skills, Edwards became a key component of the Eagles’ defense in the late 1970s and early 1980s.
After his playing days, Edwards transitioned into coaching, beginning as a defensive assistant before rising through the ranks. He served as a defensive backs coach for teams such as the Kansas City Chiefs and Tampa Bay Buccaneers before becoming the head coach of the New York Jets in 2001. In five seasons with the Jets, he led the team to the playoffs three times and compiled a 39–41 record. He later coached the Kansas City Chiefs from 2006 to 2008.
Edwards then embarked on a successful broadcasting career with ESPN, where he served as a respected NFL analyst. During his time on television, he gained a reputation for his insightful commentary, motivational energy, and strong character—qualities that Arizona State believed could translate to success in the collegiate arena.
Reconnecting with College Football
Despite being away from coaching for nearly a decade and with limited college coaching experience—his last collegiate coaching job was as defensive backs coach at San Jose State in the late 1980s—Edwards expressed enthusiasm for returning to the game and working with student-athletes.
“This is not a hobby,” Edwards declared at his introductory press conference. “I coach football. I’ve coached it my whole life. I’m passionate about helping young men become better football players and better people.”
His hire was also influenced by his deep ties to leadership and mentorship, two elements that would be central to his philosophy at ASU. Edwards described his role as being that of a “teacher,” guiding players not only on the field but in life. His messaging consistently focused on accountability, discipline, and integrity.
Building a Staff, Building a Program
One of Edwards’ first major tasks as head coach was assembling a staff that could blend his NFL acumen with college recruiting expertise. Recognizing the importance of recruiting, especially in talent-rich regions like California, Texas, and Arizona, Edwards surrounded himself with assistants who had deep college ties and could bridge the gap between professional systems and collegiate dynamics.
He also leaned on the newly established model at Arizona State, which included dedicated personnel for recruiting, player development, and analytics. The approach mirrored front offices in the NFL, giving Edwards the infrastructure to focus on coaching, leadership, and player development.
Over the course of his tenure, Edwards focused heavily on discipline, fundamentals, and character development. He emphasized team unity and personal responsibility, often meeting with players to discuss goals beyond football. The Sun Devils under Edwards were a team expected to compete hard, play smart, and represent the university with class.
Mixed Results, Meaningful Impact
On the field, Edwards had a mixed tenure. He posted several signature wins—including victories over ranked opponents such as Michigan State and Oregon—but the Sun Devils were often unable to sustain momentum throughout the season. Despite inconsistencies, he helped elevate the national profile of the program and brought in several high-level recruits, including quarterback Jayden Daniels, who became a central figure in the offense.
Perhaps more importantly, Edwards helped shift the culture at Arizona State. His mentorship-focused model, combined with a focus on academic support and personal development, aligned with ASU’s broader mission of developing student-athletes into well-rounded leaders.
Legacy and Departure
Edwards’ time at ASU came to an end in 2022 after a rocky start to the season and mounting pressure related to off-the-field issues within the program. Yet his impact, particularly in terms of leadership philosophy and program structure, continues to resonate within Sun Devil Athletics.
While his hiring may have seemed unconventional, Herm Edwards brought energy, national attention, and a player-first mindset to Arizona State. His tenure was a reminder that college football is about more than wins and losses—it’s about developing young people, building community, and upholding the values of the institution.
For Edwards, it wasn’t just about football—it was about a purpose.
“You don’t coach to be famous,” he said during his introductory remarks. “You coach because you love the game, and you love these young men who are trying to be the best versions of themselves. That’s what I’m here to do.”
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