Derrick Brooks, Pro Football Hall of Famer
“Coach Herm will do a fantastic job at ASU, not only on the field but in the lives of these young men in general. He was a critical part of changing our culture at the Buccaneers to a winning culture with proper attitudes. I’m excited to see him affect the next generation."
Chris Carter, Pro Football Hall of Famer
"Sometimes in life you encounter people who are natural-born leaders. And that is who Herm Edwards is. He has mentored myself and hundreds of other people during our friendship of 30 years. If I had a son, nephew or friend ask me what college can I trust with their life and/or career? I'd recommend they call Arizona State and ask for their head coach."
Curtis Martin, Pro Football Hall of Famer
"Herm is not only one of the best coaches I have been around, but he's also one of the best men I know. I trust his character and his wisdom. He does everything with integrity and hard work at the forefront and he inspires you as a player to do the same. He's played and coached the game at the highest level so he knows what he's talking about. Herm is the type of guy who will have success wherever he is, with whatever he is doing, because of who he is as a man."
London Fletcher, All-Pro Linebacker and Super Bowl Champion
“Herm has shown the ability to lead men and I think he’ll take that trait to ASU and have a tremendous impact on the lives of young men and their football team. It’s an excellent hire by ASU.”
Santonio Holmes, Super Bowl XLIII MVP
“His worth as a head coach and life coach will inspire a new generation of kids to make the best decisions at the most opportunistic time. Congratulations to Coach Edwards on the new journey, much respect and best of luck.”
Simeon Rice, NFL All-Pro Defensive End and Super Bowl Champion
“Herm has a great understanding of the toils and stress of young men entering the next phase of their lives as it pertains to being a student-athlete. He is a great coach that will be able to provide great counsel.”
DeMaurice Smith, Executive Director of NFLPA
“Congratulations to Coach Herm Edwards on his new role as head coach at Arizona State University. When we chose him to teach our young men the business of football in 2011 and selected him as the head coach of our NFLPA Collegiate Bowl, we did so because we knew he always demonstrated that integrity and winning go hand-in-hand both on and off the field. We wish the best of luck.”
Eric Metcalf, All-Pro
“I think Herm Edwards will be a great for anyone for the simple fact that he knows what it takes to win and compete at a high level. When it’s all said and done, being able to manage young men and get the most out of them is important and I believe Herm has that ability. He will be a good coach, father figure and mentor to our young student-athletes of today, which is bigger than winning football games. The kids he brings in will be willing to fight for him because they will know that he had their backs and best interests in mind. When you have been around football as long as Herm has, you don’t don’t coach just to coach - you coach with a purpose and that’s to get better everyday. That equals wins and molding young men and I believe Herm will do that.
Keyshawn Johnson, All-Pro Wide Receiver and Super Bowl Champion
“Herm is the perfect coach for ASU. I watched Pete (Carroll) bring my Trojans back to college football royalty after being gone from the college game forever. Herm will own the state of Arizona in recruiting. I can’t wait to help support his program just like I do for all of my friends that want to take on the world of college football.”
Sage Steele, ESPN Personality
“I first met Coach Edwards in Tampa, FL in 1998 when I covered the Buccaneers and he was the team’s assistant head coach/defensive backs coach. I knew immediately how special he was because the way the players reacted to him as a coach and a leader was unlike anything I’d seen before. Working alongside him at ESPN for the past 8 years has truly been one of the highlights of my broadcasting career, and I know that I am better for it. I will miss working with him but am thrilled that Sun Devil Nation gets to experience one of the truly great coaches and PEOPLE in the business!”
Brian Kelly, Super Bowl Champion Cornerback
“Herm Edwards is a phenomenal hire. With his experience as an ex-player and coach, he will provide young men with tool that will take them far past the playing field. Herm will demand passion and effort from his players. In return, players will get a coach that will lead with integrity.
Sammy Knight, All-Pro Cornerback and Saints Hall of Famer
“If I had a son going to play college football, I would want him to play for Herm Edwards and he cut me from the Kansas City Chiefs. Herm Edwards will be a great mentor and role model for all these young men representing the university that is lucky enough to sign him. He will coach those young men hard and help them reach their potential as men, students and players. Herm will hold them accountable as individuals on and off the field. Herm grew up in Southern California, coached in Tampa Bay, New York and Kansas City and has built a name that will allow him to go in any household in America and win over recruits and parents. Herm and his wife, Lia, are great examples of high character individuals that have been selfless in outreach to every community that they’ve been a part of. ASU and Herm Edwards will be a perfect fit.”
Dave Szott, All-Pro Offensive Lineman and Jets Director of Player Personnel
“I have seen firsthand the work Herm Edwards has done with players both at the Kansas City Chiefs and New York Jets. Throughout the 25 years that I have known him, Coach Edwards has always taught and motivated young men to be their best on the field. More importantly, he will create an environment that develops and builds character in the men he coaches. The Arizona State community will be proud of the coaches and player that represent their university.
Matt Hasselbeck, Pro Football Quarterback and NFL Football Analyst
“College football needs more people like Herm. He is a leader of men. Character development in football matters just as much as the X’s and O’s and Herm gives you both. He’ll coach up your players and your coaches. What a gift for a young coach to get to learn from someone like Herm. I know I’d want my son to play for him.”
Kevin Mawae, All-Pro Offensive Lineman
“Herm Edwards joining the college coaching ranks is a huge win for ASU. Herm has a passion for football nut an even greater passion to see men developed through the game of football. Having played for him while with the New York Jets, I had the privilege of playing for a man of extreme character, infectious personality and unmatched enthusiam.”
Adam Schefter, ESPN Football Analyst
“There cannot and will not be another man that can help shape young men’s lives in the way Herm Edwards can. Herm is a man of honor, integrity and hard work - just the type of example there should be for college men.”
Eric Allen, All-Pro Cornerback, Sun Devil Legend and Eagles Hall of Fame
“I think Herm has a passion for and a knowledge of football that will overcome any absence from the sideline. His insight and experience with young football players will benefit Sun Devil Nation. I think we all owe Todd Graham for elevating the experience of our student-athletes at ASU. Herm’s a coach that will continue the success we’ve had in the classroom and continue to build these young men to become ambassadors of ASU. The life blood of the program is the recruitment of high-quality student athletes and this is where Herm will have the most impact immediately. I’m excited to see the 2018 version of Sun Devil Football.”
Jake Plummer, former Sun Devil and NFL quarterback
“Herm has a ton of energy. He's a real stand up dude who has a lot of morals and convictions that these guys need. Whoever they bring in, I'm going to be a big supporter of. I'm there to support what they do."
James Hasty, All-Pro Cornerback
“To the parents of current and future Sun Devils, if the development of your son is important as a student-athlete before, during and after his career then you will not find a better person to lead him in this journey than Herm Edwards.”
Damien Woody, All-Pro Offensive Lineman, Super Bowl Champion and ESPN Analyst
“As a colleague at ESPN, Herm Edwards epitomized everything you want in a head coach: impeccable character, high football acumen and most importantly a leader of young men.”
Anthony Becht, ESPN Analyst and Former NFL Player
“Herm is a tremendous leader of men. He’s a great motivator, communicator and will instill a strong moral compass in his players. I embraced his leadership in the NFL with the Jets. Coach Edwards will be an excellent leader for the Arizona State football team today and in the future.”
Jay Feely, All-Pro placekicker and CBS Football Analyst
“When I started doing TV at ESPN towards the end of my playing career he and I were up there a lot together. [We] had a lot of conversations about football in general, about his philosophies on being a head coach, and really about his desire to have an impact on young men and their lives and that’s really what he’s all about. That’s what he sees being a football coach as is this avenue to possibly impact young men. There’s not enough men in this world who truly care about that, who want to have an impact on kids’ lives, who want to point them in the right direction. We’re lucky to have a guy like Herm Edwards.”
“I say [hiring Herm Edwards] is an absolute home run.”
“There’s nobody who’s going to go into a parent’s home and recruit and have more relevance than Herm Edwards and carry more weight. He played in the NFL, he coached in the NFL, he’s been the voice of ESPN and their NFL coverage for the last 10 years. Everyone knows Herm Edwards and they listen to him. Every hard topic that’s come up about football, who’s been the voice people listen to? Herm Edwards.”
“He’s been involved in the game. Being in TV when you’ve had experience as a head coach, I think it’s such a huge advantage. Because when you’re a head coach and you’re coaching, all you’re doing is what you know. What you believe in, the crux of who you are philosophically on the field and off the field, you’re implementing that on a daily basis. You don’t get the opportunity to step back and to look at the way other people do things, to look at things that may be counterintuitive to what you believe, both schematically as well as philosophically. When you’re in TV, you’re constantly getting guys coming in. They’re in your green rooms, they’re talking to you at lunch, you get to banter back and forth and ask them questions about how they do it, why they do it and how it was successful. You get to see all these different things and go inside and visit. He’s been out visiting - he’ went to Alabama and all these different schools and sat down with these coaches to find out how they do things. That inside access is such a huge advantage.”
“When I think about where I want [my son] to go and who I want him to play for… Herm Edwards is a guy that I would absolutely send my son to go play for and know that he’s going to reinforce everything I’ve been trying to teach him and that he’s going to push him to become even better as a person, as a man and as a player.
Tom Luginbill, ESPN College Football Analyst
“If it just comes to dealing with the kids, dealing with recruiting, being in the home, I think Herm Edwards would be fantastic. It would be all about player development, one-on-one interaction and recruiting on the road. In those areas he’s very very strong with kids when it comes to interaction.”
Mike Haynes, NFL and College Football Hall of Famer/Sun Devil Alumnus
"I’d love to see the hiring of Herman Edwards. It would help recruiting for football as well as other ASU athletic teams. Herman has the energy, personality, background and experience to elevate the football program. He will be great on the field and in the community.Hiring Herman Edwards to coach ASU football could be one of the most positive, synergistic actions the program has taken. I thank Coach Graham and wish him and his family the best. He did a fine job bringing back old Sun Devils traditions and starting new ones."
Mark Schlereth, NFL Analyst
“Every year, he turns down NFL coaching jobs. Herm is one of the most positive, energetic people I have ever been around in my entire life. He’ll grow kids into men and hold them accountable. I couldn’t be happier for him. I’ve turned down several coaching jobs for the past several years even though I’ve never coached, but I would go work for Herm without any hesitation. The things that win are forgetting about yourself and playing for your teammates, being fundamentally sound, blocking people and tackling, and those things never go in and out of style. They don’t change. You can do those things or you can’t do those things. As Herm always says, ‘You’re either coaching it or allowing it to happen.’ So, fundamental football is great. As a head coach, really what are you doing? You’re hiring great assistants, you’re delegating authority and you’re being a leader of men. You’re really coaching your coaches and this is what I want. Let them go coach. That doesn’t scare me at all. Pete Carroll is a great coach in the NFL and he’s coached for a very long time. He’s a phenomenal defensive backs coach. Pete Carroll is more of a figurehead leader of men and he’s great at it. Doesn’t mean he can’t still coach. Part of the thing about head coaches, we see these offensive or defensive coordinators that get to become head coaches and what ends up happening is you really don’t end doing much coaching. A lot of the time, it becomes how well you can delegate, how well can I lead the football team, how well can I lead my coaches and impress upon them what I need done. I don’t look at it like he hasn’t coached in many years. I don’t give a rip. It’s not like he’s forgotten how to coach. I know one thing; the dude knows how to lead men.”
Matt Barrie, ESPN broadcaster
“He’s coached in the Under-Armor All-Star Game since 2008. He’ll come back from that game and he’ll tell me about all these players. He’s there with these high school kids and he understands what next-level talent looks like. If you take aside from the Under-Armor All-Star Game and what Herm does, he will be able to get inside a living room of just about every athlete in the Southern California area and Arizona area. What’s the biggest thing with recruiting? It is selling parents that their kid is going to being ok under their leadership and guidance during the time their son is in college. From being around Herm Edwards for five years, I can tell you there is no other person that will be able to get into a living room and sell families as quick as Herm will be able to do. When Herm Edwards gets to the podium, guess what’s going to be all over the national media? The pitchfork. Herm Edwards is up at 3:45 AM every morning, working out. He’s got energy that you wouldn’t believe. His personality is contagious. He has a way with players. He has a way with people.”
Rudy Carpenter, former ASU QB
“He’s going to bring the high energy and all the talking and positivity to the program. I do think he is a different type of shot in the arm for the program that, in my opinion, will really be good. It’s just different when a guy like Herm Edwards walks into a home in Los Angeles, in Sacramento and in the Bay area.”
Mark May, college football analyst
“With these high school kids, they have a chance see you on ESPN all the time and in the Under-Armor [All-Star Game] and he’s been coaching for five, six, seven years now. They know and they relate to that and it’s on all their message boards when they’re looking around looking at colleges. So, he can relate to young kids right now. Obviously, parents can relate to him because they know who they are if their kids are in sports so they’re most likely watching ESPN and they know who he is. At least the recognition is there.”
Bill Hofheimer, Senior Director of Communications at ESPN
“Herm is one of the finest people you will meet. A thoughtful and respected voice, he has contributed so much to ESPN the past nine years, well beyond NFL analysis,” said Seth Markman, ESPN senior coordinating producer, NFL studio shows. “Herm’s energy and passion is off the charts, and he will bring every bit of that to Arizona State. We wish him, Lia, their daughters, Gabrielle and Vivian, and son, Marcus, good luck as they begin this exciting new chapter.”
Roy Green, former Cardinals WR
“He’s played at the highest level. If you’ve ever been around him, even just listening to him and watching him on ESPN, you know he’s a great motivator. You just listen him talking on TV. He’s a coach at heart. You got to consider the fact that this guy has been with high school all-star game for the last six or seven years. So, he not only has access to the little brothers of the guys playing but the coaches that were there before, the parents that were there. By the way, Jon Gruden is one of the leaders and coaches the best quarterbacks in the country and he just happens to be a great friend of Herm Edwards. I think that in itself is another great advantage for his recruiting. Herm is from California. What have we talked about? The top prospects out of California generally seek to go to UCLA or USC. I think he now has a great possibility of getting those guys. There’s a lot of positives coming from it. I’m not concerned with his coaching, recruiting and I’m definitely not concerned with his age. He’s up at 2 o’clock, 3:30 every morning and works out every day religiously. You can see the energy he brings even from just watching him on ESPN.
Herb Martin, Life Coach for NFL and NBA
"I have had the privilege and opportunity to work as a consultant to the NFL for the last 25 years. During these years, I have also had the opportunity to work directly with players, coaches and teams. As you might imagine, there are always individuals that stand out or impact you in a certain way. Coach Edwards as a man struck me this way. His warmth, authenticity and abundant passion was immediately felt. His ability to connect with players from all walks of life was extraordinary and his command of the room was notable. Thus, he will clearly command respect but give it as well. I truly enjoyed all of y interactions with him and always felt empowered to do the work that we do following our meetings.
“Coach Herm will do a fantastic job at ASU, not only on the field but in the lives of these young men in general. He was a critical part of changing our culture at the Buccaneers to a winning culture with proper attitudes. I’m excited to see him affect the next generation."
Chris Carter, Pro Football Hall of Famer
"Sometimes in life you encounter people who are natural-born leaders. And that is who Herm Edwards is. He has mentored myself and hundreds of other people during our friendship of 30 years. If I had a son, nephew or friend ask me what college can I trust with their life and/or career? I'd recommend they call Arizona State and ask for their head coach."
Curtis Martin, Pro Football Hall of Famer
"Herm is not only one of the best coaches I have been around, but he's also one of the best men I know. I trust his character and his wisdom. He does everything with integrity and hard work at the forefront and he inspires you as a player to do the same. He's played and coached the game at the highest level so he knows what he's talking about. Herm is the type of guy who will have success wherever he is, with whatever he is doing, because of who he is as a man."
London Fletcher, All-Pro Linebacker and Super Bowl Champion
“Herm has shown the ability to lead men and I think he’ll take that trait to ASU and have a tremendous impact on the lives of young men and their football team. It’s an excellent hire by ASU.”
Santonio Holmes, Super Bowl XLIII MVP
“His worth as a head coach and life coach will inspire a new generation of kids to make the best decisions at the most opportunistic time. Congratulations to Coach Edwards on the new journey, much respect and best of luck.”
Simeon Rice, NFL All-Pro Defensive End and Super Bowl Champion
“Herm has a great understanding of the toils and stress of young men entering the next phase of their lives as it pertains to being a student-athlete. He is a great coach that will be able to provide great counsel.”
DeMaurice Smith, Executive Director of NFLPA
“Congratulations to Coach Herm Edwards on his new role as head coach at Arizona State University. When we chose him to teach our young men the business of football in 2011 and selected him as the head coach of our NFLPA Collegiate Bowl, we did so because we knew he always demonstrated that integrity and winning go hand-in-hand both on and off the field. We wish the best of luck.”
Eric Metcalf, All-Pro
“I think Herm Edwards will be a great for anyone for the simple fact that he knows what it takes to win and compete at a high level. When it’s all said and done, being able to manage young men and get the most out of them is important and I believe Herm has that ability. He will be a good coach, father figure and mentor to our young student-athletes of today, which is bigger than winning football games. The kids he brings in will be willing to fight for him because they will know that he had their backs and best interests in mind. When you have been around football as long as Herm has, you don’t don’t coach just to coach - you coach with a purpose and that’s to get better everyday. That equals wins and molding young men and I believe Herm will do that.
Keyshawn Johnson, All-Pro Wide Receiver and Super Bowl Champion
“Herm is the perfect coach for ASU. I watched Pete (Carroll) bring my Trojans back to college football royalty after being gone from the college game forever. Herm will own the state of Arizona in recruiting. I can’t wait to help support his program just like I do for all of my friends that want to take on the world of college football.”
Sage Steele, ESPN Personality
“I first met Coach Edwards in Tampa, FL in 1998 when I covered the Buccaneers and he was the team’s assistant head coach/defensive backs coach. I knew immediately how special he was because the way the players reacted to him as a coach and a leader was unlike anything I’d seen before. Working alongside him at ESPN for the past 8 years has truly been one of the highlights of my broadcasting career, and I know that I am better for it. I will miss working with him but am thrilled that Sun Devil Nation gets to experience one of the truly great coaches and PEOPLE in the business!”
Brian Kelly, Super Bowl Champion Cornerback
“Herm Edwards is a phenomenal hire. With his experience as an ex-player and coach, he will provide young men with tool that will take them far past the playing field. Herm will demand passion and effort from his players. In return, players will get a coach that will lead with integrity.
Sammy Knight, All-Pro Cornerback and Saints Hall of Famer
“If I had a son going to play college football, I would want him to play for Herm Edwards and he cut me from the Kansas City Chiefs. Herm Edwards will be a great mentor and role model for all these young men representing the university that is lucky enough to sign him. He will coach those young men hard and help them reach their potential as men, students and players. Herm will hold them accountable as individuals on and off the field. Herm grew up in Southern California, coached in Tampa Bay, New York and Kansas City and has built a name that will allow him to go in any household in America and win over recruits and parents. Herm and his wife, Lia, are great examples of high character individuals that have been selfless in outreach to every community that they’ve been a part of. ASU and Herm Edwards will be a perfect fit.”
Dave Szott, All-Pro Offensive Lineman and Jets Director of Player Personnel
“I have seen firsthand the work Herm Edwards has done with players both at the Kansas City Chiefs and New York Jets. Throughout the 25 years that I have known him, Coach Edwards has always taught and motivated young men to be their best on the field. More importantly, he will create an environment that develops and builds character in the men he coaches. The Arizona State community will be proud of the coaches and player that represent their university.
Matt Hasselbeck, Pro Football Quarterback and NFL Football Analyst
“College football needs more people like Herm. He is a leader of men. Character development in football matters just as much as the X’s and O’s and Herm gives you both. He’ll coach up your players and your coaches. What a gift for a young coach to get to learn from someone like Herm. I know I’d want my son to play for him.”
Kevin Mawae, All-Pro Offensive Lineman
“Herm Edwards joining the college coaching ranks is a huge win for ASU. Herm has a passion for football nut an even greater passion to see men developed through the game of football. Having played for him while with the New York Jets, I had the privilege of playing for a man of extreme character, infectious personality and unmatched enthusiam.”
Adam Schefter, ESPN Football Analyst
“There cannot and will not be another man that can help shape young men’s lives in the way Herm Edwards can. Herm is a man of honor, integrity and hard work - just the type of example there should be for college men.”
Eric Allen, All-Pro Cornerback, Sun Devil Legend and Eagles Hall of Fame
“I think Herm has a passion for and a knowledge of football that will overcome any absence from the sideline. His insight and experience with young football players will benefit Sun Devil Nation. I think we all owe Todd Graham for elevating the experience of our student-athletes at ASU. Herm’s a coach that will continue the success we’ve had in the classroom and continue to build these young men to become ambassadors of ASU. The life blood of the program is the recruitment of high-quality student athletes and this is where Herm will have the most impact immediately. I’m excited to see the 2018 version of Sun Devil Football.”
Jake Plummer, former Sun Devil and NFL quarterback
“Herm has a ton of energy. He's a real stand up dude who has a lot of morals and convictions that these guys need. Whoever they bring in, I'm going to be a big supporter of. I'm there to support what they do."
James Hasty, All-Pro Cornerback
“To the parents of current and future Sun Devils, if the development of your son is important as a student-athlete before, during and after his career then you will not find a better person to lead him in this journey than Herm Edwards.”
Damien Woody, All-Pro Offensive Lineman, Super Bowl Champion and ESPN Analyst
“As a colleague at ESPN, Herm Edwards epitomized everything you want in a head coach: impeccable character, high football acumen and most importantly a leader of young men.”
Anthony Becht, ESPN Analyst and Former NFL Player
“Herm is a tremendous leader of men. He’s a great motivator, communicator and will instill a strong moral compass in his players. I embraced his leadership in the NFL with the Jets. Coach Edwards will be an excellent leader for the Arizona State football team today and in the future.”
Jay Feely, All-Pro placekicker and CBS Football Analyst
“When I started doing TV at ESPN towards the end of my playing career he and I were up there a lot together. [We] had a lot of conversations about football in general, about his philosophies on being a head coach, and really about his desire to have an impact on young men and their lives and that’s really what he’s all about. That’s what he sees being a football coach as is this avenue to possibly impact young men. There’s not enough men in this world who truly care about that, who want to have an impact on kids’ lives, who want to point them in the right direction. We’re lucky to have a guy like Herm Edwards.”
“I say [hiring Herm Edwards] is an absolute home run.”
“There’s nobody who’s going to go into a parent’s home and recruit and have more relevance than Herm Edwards and carry more weight. He played in the NFL, he coached in the NFL, he’s been the voice of ESPN and their NFL coverage for the last 10 years. Everyone knows Herm Edwards and they listen to him. Every hard topic that’s come up about football, who’s been the voice people listen to? Herm Edwards.”
“He’s been involved in the game. Being in TV when you’ve had experience as a head coach, I think it’s such a huge advantage. Because when you’re a head coach and you’re coaching, all you’re doing is what you know. What you believe in, the crux of who you are philosophically on the field and off the field, you’re implementing that on a daily basis. You don’t get the opportunity to step back and to look at the way other people do things, to look at things that may be counterintuitive to what you believe, both schematically as well as philosophically. When you’re in TV, you’re constantly getting guys coming in. They’re in your green rooms, they’re talking to you at lunch, you get to banter back and forth and ask them questions about how they do it, why they do it and how it was successful. You get to see all these different things and go inside and visit. He’s been out visiting - he’ went to Alabama and all these different schools and sat down with these coaches to find out how they do things. That inside access is such a huge advantage.”
“When I think about where I want [my son] to go and who I want him to play for… Herm Edwards is a guy that I would absolutely send my son to go play for and know that he’s going to reinforce everything I’ve been trying to teach him and that he’s going to push him to become even better as a person, as a man and as a player.
Tom Luginbill, ESPN College Football Analyst
“If it just comes to dealing with the kids, dealing with recruiting, being in the home, I think Herm Edwards would be fantastic. It would be all about player development, one-on-one interaction and recruiting on the road. In those areas he’s very very strong with kids when it comes to interaction.”
Mike Haynes, NFL and College Football Hall of Famer/Sun Devil Alumnus
"I’d love to see the hiring of Herman Edwards. It would help recruiting for football as well as other ASU athletic teams. Herman has the energy, personality, background and experience to elevate the football program. He will be great on the field and in the community.Hiring Herman Edwards to coach ASU football could be one of the most positive, synergistic actions the program has taken. I thank Coach Graham and wish him and his family the best. He did a fine job bringing back old Sun Devils traditions and starting new ones."
Mark Schlereth, NFL Analyst
“Every year, he turns down NFL coaching jobs. Herm is one of the most positive, energetic people I have ever been around in my entire life. He’ll grow kids into men and hold them accountable. I couldn’t be happier for him. I’ve turned down several coaching jobs for the past several years even though I’ve never coached, but I would go work for Herm without any hesitation. The things that win are forgetting about yourself and playing for your teammates, being fundamentally sound, blocking people and tackling, and those things never go in and out of style. They don’t change. You can do those things or you can’t do those things. As Herm always says, ‘You’re either coaching it or allowing it to happen.’ So, fundamental football is great. As a head coach, really what are you doing? You’re hiring great assistants, you’re delegating authority and you’re being a leader of men. You’re really coaching your coaches and this is what I want. Let them go coach. That doesn’t scare me at all. Pete Carroll is a great coach in the NFL and he’s coached for a very long time. He’s a phenomenal defensive backs coach. Pete Carroll is more of a figurehead leader of men and he’s great at it. Doesn’t mean he can’t still coach. Part of the thing about head coaches, we see these offensive or defensive coordinators that get to become head coaches and what ends up happening is you really don’t end doing much coaching. A lot of the time, it becomes how well you can delegate, how well can I lead the football team, how well can I lead my coaches and impress upon them what I need done. I don’t look at it like he hasn’t coached in many years. I don’t give a rip. It’s not like he’s forgotten how to coach. I know one thing; the dude knows how to lead men.”
Matt Barrie, ESPN broadcaster
“He’s coached in the Under-Armor All-Star Game since 2008. He’ll come back from that game and he’ll tell me about all these players. He’s there with these high school kids and he understands what next-level talent looks like. If you take aside from the Under-Armor All-Star Game and what Herm does, he will be able to get inside a living room of just about every athlete in the Southern California area and Arizona area. What’s the biggest thing with recruiting? It is selling parents that their kid is going to being ok under their leadership and guidance during the time their son is in college. From being around Herm Edwards for five years, I can tell you there is no other person that will be able to get into a living room and sell families as quick as Herm will be able to do. When Herm Edwards gets to the podium, guess what’s going to be all over the national media? The pitchfork. Herm Edwards is up at 3:45 AM every morning, working out. He’s got energy that you wouldn’t believe. His personality is contagious. He has a way with players. He has a way with people.”
Rudy Carpenter, former ASU QB
“He’s going to bring the high energy and all the talking and positivity to the program. I do think he is a different type of shot in the arm for the program that, in my opinion, will really be good. It’s just different when a guy like Herm Edwards walks into a home in Los Angeles, in Sacramento and in the Bay area.”
Mark May, college football analyst
“With these high school kids, they have a chance see you on ESPN all the time and in the Under-Armor [All-Star Game] and he’s been coaching for five, six, seven years now. They know and they relate to that and it’s on all their message boards when they’re looking around looking at colleges. So, he can relate to young kids right now. Obviously, parents can relate to him because they know who they are if their kids are in sports so they’re most likely watching ESPN and they know who he is. At least the recognition is there.”
Bill Hofheimer, Senior Director of Communications at ESPN
“Herm is one of the finest people you will meet. A thoughtful and respected voice, he has contributed so much to ESPN the past nine years, well beyond NFL analysis,” said Seth Markman, ESPN senior coordinating producer, NFL studio shows. “Herm’s energy and passion is off the charts, and he will bring every bit of that to Arizona State. We wish him, Lia, their daughters, Gabrielle and Vivian, and son, Marcus, good luck as they begin this exciting new chapter.”
Roy Green, former Cardinals WR
“He’s played at the highest level. If you’ve ever been around him, even just listening to him and watching him on ESPN, you know he’s a great motivator. You just listen him talking on TV. He’s a coach at heart. You got to consider the fact that this guy has been with high school all-star game for the last six or seven years. So, he not only has access to the little brothers of the guys playing but the coaches that were there before, the parents that were there. By the way, Jon Gruden is one of the leaders and coaches the best quarterbacks in the country and he just happens to be a great friend of Herm Edwards. I think that in itself is another great advantage for his recruiting. Herm is from California. What have we talked about? The top prospects out of California generally seek to go to UCLA or USC. I think he now has a great possibility of getting those guys. There’s a lot of positives coming from it. I’m not concerned with his coaching, recruiting and I’m definitely not concerned with his age. He’s up at 2 o’clock, 3:30 every morning and works out every day religiously. You can see the energy he brings even from just watching him on ESPN.
Herb Martin, Life Coach for NFL and NBA
"I have had the privilege and opportunity to work as a consultant to the NFL for the last 25 years. During these years, I have also had the opportunity to work directly with players, coaches and teams. As you might imagine, there are always individuals that stand out or impact you in a certain way. Coach Edwards as a man struck me this way. His warmth, authenticity and abundant passion was immediately felt. His ability to connect with players from all walks of life was extraordinary and his command of the room was notable. Thus, he will clearly command respect but give it as well. I truly enjoyed all of y interactions with him and always felt empowered to do the work that we do following our meetings.