Herm Edwards: Year One

[Toe]

Obviously, Herm Edwards to Arizona State was the big WTF hire last year. So I take a look at their regular season result this year, and it's... decent?

They finished with a 7-5 record, which is generally nothing to get excited about. But looking a little closer, none of their losses were by more than 7 points. And that's despite starting seven freshmen on defense. They had a loss to San Diego State early on, but still finished second in their division (though the PAC south is the weaker division this year). Flip a 2-point loss to Oregon a week ago and they'd be playing for a conference championship.

Not a great season, but so far it's nowhere near the kind of disaster a lot of people expected. I've seen posts on boards saying things like "Firm for Herm."

Meanwhile, Kevin Sumlin went 5-7 in his first season at Arizona, a year after Rich Rod was fired for a 7-5 regular season...

 

[Scarlet Overkill]

I have to admit, i was wrong about the Herm experiment.  But, i was under the impression that he was just there to be a CEO figurehead type and let assistants do all the work.  From all i saw, he was very hands on.

 

[LumberJackSker]

I was very wrong about herm Edwards. If he can manage to keep instate from leaving asu could be very good. Also rich rod was not fired for going 7-5 he was fired for "other" reasons.

 

[suh_fan93]

[No message]

 

[Scarlet Overkill]

At least he doesn't have the typical NFL coach mentality. 

 

[broganreynik]

I’ll just go ahead and say thanks for all the kudos for calling this a good hire. You’re too kind!

 

[RedDenver]

I’ll just go ahead and say thanks for all the kudos for calling this a good hire. You’re too kind!

I have a feeling this will still fall apart in a year or two, but credit to Herm for a better than expected year 1.

 

[I AM FOOT FOOT]

The guy has spent decades in the football world, he may know more than message board posters when it comes to building a team.

 

[RedDenver]

The guy has spent decades in the football world, he may know more than message board posters when it comes to building a team.

So have tons of other guys who've fallen flat on their face. Knowing more than message board posters isn't any sort of key to success.

 

[I AM FOOT FOOT]

So have tons of other guys who've fallen flat on their face. Knowing more than message board posters isn't any sort of key to success.

But it seems to be working for Herm!

 

[Pedro G]

I can see the players really liking him. He strikes me as being free spirited after watching him speak before. We will see how this equates to recruiting success. I just hope Frost’s successful recruiting battles against him continue, like with Maurice Washington.