FEATURE STORIES

Edwards Sticks to Basics of Winning

By Shawna Carpenter
UWRF Public Affairs

His history in the game of football and experience in the NFL has made him one of the most skilled NFL coaches of today. Embodying the heart of an athlete, passion for the game of football and wisdom of a "player's coach," he continues his expedition to make the Chiefs a winning football team.

After successfully leading the Chiefs to the postseason in 2006, Herm Edwards returns as head coach of the franchise for the second season. In his debut as the Chiefs' head coach, Edwards   became one of five coaches in NFL history to guide two different teams to the playoffs in their initial season with the teams (he led the Jets to the postseason in 2001). He is   also the first coach in the franchise to lead the Chiefs to the postseason in their initial season with the team. With a 9-7 record last season, Edwards tied the first-year coach franchise annuals for most wins.

Upon his 28th year of experience in the NFL Edwards has previously served as a player, scout and assistant coach. As a Philadelphia Eagle, Edwards preformed as a defensive back for nine seasons (1977-1985) with a Super Bowl appearance in 1981. In 1986 he joined the Los Angeles Rams and Atlanta Falcons for two short secessions before retiring as a NFL player. Post his retirement Edwards has lent his coaching abilities to San Jose State, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the New York Jets and the Kansas City Chiefs.  

With a commitment to straight-cut coaching philosophies Edwards is well respected for his "play to win" attitude. His resume includes the victorious recovery of Tampa Bay (1996-2000) as an assistant head coach and defensive backs coach under Tony Dungy. Edwards' assistance helped the franchise to its first NFC Central title in 18 years, (1999) and helped the team to break a 20-year dry spell with a NFC Championship Game appearance.

As head coach of the Jets (2001-2005) Edwards escorted the team to five postseason challenges for the best total of any coach in team records. He was the franchise's first coach to lead the team to three postseasons. Among his other attainments with the Jets was the AFC East title in 2002 and shutout victory over Indianapolis during the 2002 postseason. The Jets managed its first road playoff win in over twenty years under the management of Edwards in 2004 against San Diego. During Edwards' four-year tenure with the team, the Jets were the least penalized team in the NFL.

Edwards' history with the Chiefs spans eight years and dates back to 1989. That year he joined the Chiefs for training camp as a recipient of a Minority Coaching Fellowship with the team. From 1990 to 1991 Edwards sought talent for the franchise as a scout. For the next three years he assisted the team as a defensive backs coach until 1995 where he would resume as a pro personnel scout for a year. Edwards' specialties would not return to the club until he was named head coach of the Chiefs in 2006 upon Dick Vermeil's retirement.

Foreshadowing the feats to come the Chiefs managed to reduce critical penalty yards by nearly 34 percent in 2006. Penalized for just 577 yards, the Chiefs were third-lowest among total team ranks last season. The team also placed sixth in the top half   of AFC seeding ranks among teams. Edwards' militant approach and motivational dialogues have aided revision in the Chiefs and are expected to promote a fundamental playing football squad in the up and coming season.

Representing three universities as a collegiate athlete prior to the NFL Edwards stayed loyal to his home state of California playing four years there at the University of California (1972, 1974), Monterey Peninsula Junior College (1973) and San Diego State (1975). Edwards graduated from San Diego State with a degree in criminal justice.

Extending his influence beyond the depths of the field, Edwards has been an advocate in many charitable efforts. His involvements have included support for the Diabetes Research Institute, the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society and the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. Edwards has also been a devoted participant in several golf tournaments and football camps that benefit youth and other admirable causes.

Edwards' establishments include the Herm Edwards Youth Foundation that seeks to provide opportunities for underprivileged youth and the Herm Edwards Youth Football Camp. Entering its 12th season the camp has provided a complimentary opportunity for children to learn football skills and receive life mentoring. Edwards also shares life lessons in his book You Play to Win The Game. The book focuses on personal achievement with the aide of Edwards' knowledge and experience.

Following his return to Kansas City Edwards has joined the local Boys and Girls Clubs. He and his wife Lia are also dedicated endorsers of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation based in Kansas City. Recently Edwards has promoted family values and responsible fatherhood as a supporter of the initiative All-Pro Dad.

Edwards' positive service has earned him national recognition. The Catholic Big Brothers for Boys and Girls in New York honored Edwards in 2002 naming him Big Brother of the Year. In 2003, Edwards became a honorary member of the Positive Coaching Alliance's National Advisory Committee and the Fritz Pollard Alliance.

Despite his personal and professional commitments, Edwards commits to a healthy life style. Like with anything he does, Edwards employs a hard work ethic in the gym. Before the clock hits 5 a.m. Edwards starts a sequence of exercises, a routine that has been credited for setting the personality of his teams.

Before games are played another training camp will challenge a youthful roster. As both fans and critics wait for answers to many unknowns a head coaches' willingness to welcome a test will help to ensure a result in favor.

"Now, it's a matter of competition at camp. That's been established and now we've got to carry it to training camp and figure how physical a football team we need to be. That's the next step for us: find out the physical players and find out the guys who want to play physical," said Edwards of the progression of the Chiefs this off-season.

Whether through his faith, enthusiasm or expertise, Edwards will lead the Chiefs into an exciting new season. Winning will not be far from his mind or the minds of the Chiefs as they strive for success.