Herman Edwards Jr. is a distinguished American football coach and former player, whose career spans several decades in the National Football League (NFL) and collegiate football. Edwards began his professional journey as a cornerback, playing primarily for the Philadelphia Eagles from 1977 to 1985. He is famously known for his pivotal role in the “Miracle at the Meadowlands,” where he scored a game-winning touchdown off a fumble recovery, solidifying his legacy in NFL history. With 33 career interceptions, he remains one of the franchise’s all-time greats.
Transitioning from player to coach, Edwards took on various roles, starting as a defensive assistant at San Jose State from 1987 to 1989. He then served as an NFL scout and defensive backs coach for the Kansas City Chiefs before becoming the assistant head coach for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers under Tony Dungy. In 2001, he was appointed head coach of the New York Jets, where he led the team to the playoffs four times, achieving a division title in 2002, the franchise’s most recent.
After his tenure with the Jets, Edwards became the head coach of the Kansas City Chiefs, where he guided the team to a playoff appearance in 2006. Following his coaching career in the NFL, he transitioned to broadcasting, serving as an analyst for ESPN from 2009 to 2017, where his engaging personality and memorable quotes, known as “Hermisms,” resonated with fans.
In 2018, Edwards returned to coaching as the head coach of the Arizona State Sun Devils, where he achieved notable victories, including wins against ranked opponents. Despite facing challenges, including NCAA investigations, Edwards’ impact on the teams he coached and his motivational speaking engagements have left a lasting impression on the sport. His journey reflects a commitment to excellence and a passion for football that continues to inspire many.