NY Newsday: Speculation persists despite Herm's denials - Page 2

tk13 · 01-02-2006, 08:33 PM

http://www.nynewsday.com/sports/foot...orts-headlines

Speculation persists despite what Herm says

BY KEN BERGER
STAFF WRITER

January 3, 2006

Herman Edwards made his most emphatic statement yet about his intention to return to coach the Jets in 2006, but his words did little to quell speculation about his future.

"I'm happy to be the coach here and I'm going to be the coach here," Edwards said in his season-ending news conference, less than 24 hours after the Jets beat the Bills, 30-26, to finish 4-12 -- the worst record in Edwards' five seasons as coach.

But a person with knowledge of the team's situation said yesterday that as many as four teams, including the Chiefs, are expected to contact the Jets to ask permission to interview Edwards.

Dick Vermeil, who retired as Kansas City's coach, and Chiefs president Carl Peterson will hold their season-ending news conference today. It is believed that the Chiefs are delaying any inquiries about coaches who are under contract until after that, out of respect for Vermeil.

In addition, two people with knowledge of the Chiefs' situation said the organization is reluctant to pay draft-pick compensation for a coach after giving up a second- and third-round pick for Vermeil. It is possible that their initial offer to the Jets for Edwards would be to absorb the final two years on his contract, and draft-pick negotiations could flow from there.

A Jets spokesman said no team had asked the Jets for permission to interview Edwards as of last night. Edwards and general manager Terry Bradway will address the media for the final time this season Thursday. Edwards' agent, Gary O'Hagan of IMG, said, "I have no comment" and hung up the phone when reached yesterday.

Six jobs already are open: Kansas City, New Orleans, Houston, Green Bay, Minnesota and St. Louis. Decisions are pending in Detroit and Oakland. Any interest in Edwards could force Jets owner Woody Johnson to consider extending Edwards' contract for the second time in two years.

Most players left for the offseason believing that Edwards will return, but the uncertainty was palpable.

"He gave us his word saying he wasn't going anywhere," defensive end Shaun Ellis said, referring to a speech Edwards made to the team in October. "But when a person gives you an opportunity, you've got to take a serious look at it."

teedubya · 01-02-2006, 09:34 PM

Mark's View: The Belichick Blues
http://www.sportslawnews.com/archive/Mark's%20View/Belichekblues.htm

New York, January 7, 2000 -- It was a surreal showcase last week in New York Jets land. First, Bill Parcells announced he would step down as head coach, but remain as a sort of chief operating officer. The following day, his heir apparent, Bill Belichick, announced his resignation. Belichick, literally a coach for a day, assumed the head coach's position upon the resignation of Parcells.

Belichick was in Parcells' shadow during the last three seasons while serving as defensive coordinator, with the understanding he was anointed successor as soon as Parcells left. Belichick was paid handsomely for being an assistant coach (and a very good defensive coordinator), plus he received a $1 million bonus from the late Jets owner Leon Hess.

Belichick's reason for leaving was the "uncertainty" due to the impending sale of the team. [The team was sold to Robert Wood Johnson IV for $635 million, the third highest price for a professional sports team in North America.] However, there was much speculation that Belichick was miffed at not being able to talk to other teams about head coach openings. As an assistant coach, he could talk to other teams, but once he became head coach -- even for a day -- he was unable to. His lawyer filed a grievance to the league.

Much head-scratching and anger has emanated from the Jets fans. But the legal issues are not as clear as many would like to think. While Belichick seems to have acted in a less than candid way, the good faith of the Jets is also an issue.

The arguments

1. The Contract -- Belichick claims that his contract is subject to termination because of the ownership change. Nonsense. Belichick signed an agreement with the Jets, not Hess. If one does services for company X, which is bought out by company Y, that does not discharge the contract. The only exception would be is there was a "key-person" clause in Belichick's contract, that is, it is depending on the continued ownership of Hess. There is no evidence of that here.

So Belichick breached his contract by resigning, and more important, if he attempted to sign with another club, a case would be made for a court injunction to stop him from going to a rival NFL team. Also, the Jets could be entitled some kind of monetary damages (though difficult to calculate in personal services contract cases) for the apparent breach. Also noteworthy is that Belichick has three years left on this Jets contract -- a significant amount of time.

2. The Jets' actions. This complicates the picture. It is no secret that the New England Patriots would like to contact Belichick and possibly give him the nod as head coach. A similar situation occurred in 1997 when Parcells wanted to leave the Patriots (where he was head coach). He had one year left on his contract, but could terminate it only if he would not coach for any other team. He came to the Jets as a "consultant" for that year (Belichick would be head coach) and then Parcells would assume the job. Seeing the farce in all this, Tagliabue brokered a deal giving New England a number of Jets draft picks.

Patriots owner Robert Kraft may want to stick it to the Jets this time. As was said earlier, if Belichick remained an assistant, negotiations could occur; if he becomes head coach, they can't. If Parcells resigned his position quickly to hoist Belichick as head coach to circumvent Belichick's and the Patriots' rights, that is an act of bad faith on the Jets part. And that makes the situation more difficult.

3. The commissioner. In the NFL, like in other professional leagues, the commissioner has the jurisdiction to arbitrate disputes between teams and made final determinations. The grievance filed by Belichick is the first step in that direction. Commissioner Paul Tagliabue may fashion any remedy he sees fit -- which will likely be a release of Belichick in return for draft pick compensation. Usually, upon a sports commissioner's ruling, the cases do not go to court and most leagues prefer this not to happen. But it is a possibility.

It may be that both parties have dirty fingers in this case.

milkman · 01-02-2006, 09:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ali Chi3fs

in 2000, wasnt Bill Belichek coach of the Jets for like 2-3 days before turning it down to go to New England?

Wow... what could have been for the Jets.

I vaguely recall such a situation.

I'm not even sure it was 24 hours.

But, yes, he was hired by the Jets, then backed out.

Alphaman · 01-02-2006, 09:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by banyon

That's true under the rules, but fans with a cheapskate owner (like the old vikings owner, or if David Glass owned a football team) might potentially lose their good coaches to teams with higher revenues (like the Redskins).

Maybe so, but the owner who paid hundreds of millions of dollars for the team can take the money and run if he wants. Fans don't have close to the level of investment the owner does.

**banyon** · 01-02-2006, 09:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alphaman

Maybe so, but the owner who paid hundreds of millions of dollars for the team can take the money and run if he wants. Fans don't have close to the level of investment the owner does.

No offense, but you're siding with the billionaires? Do you like baseball or football? Because that's closer to BB rules and the NFL continually kicks its ass because they value the competitiveness of the league over any individual team's success. I think this is just one more situation where the NFL should distance themselves.

**Rausch** · 01-02-2006, 10:24 PM

**** anyone who insists we CAN trade picks for coaches.

I hope you trip and land face first on dog shit. I'm tired of ****ing hearing about it after 100 posts that have gone on and on pointing out how YOU CAN'T TRADE DRAFT PICKS FOR A ****ING COACH!

**KcMizzou** · 01-02-2006, 10:25 PM

I think we should trade next year's first rounder for Dungy.

**Rausch** · 01-02-2006, 10:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KcMizzou

I think we should trade next year's first rounder for Dungy.

VonneMarie · 01-02-2006, 10:43 PM

I thought the NFL put a stop to trading picks for coaches?

milkman · 01-02-2006, 10:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rausch

**** anyone who insists we CAN trade picks for coaches.

I hope you trip and land face first on dog shit. I'm tired of ****ing hearing about it after 100 posts that have gone on and on pointing out how YOU CAN'T TRADE DRAFT PICKS FOR A ****ING COACH!

http://www.chiefsplanet.com/BB/showthread.php?t=132730

Buzzsaw · 01-02-2006, 11:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ali Chi3fs

Belichick was paid handsomely for being an assistant coach (and a very good defensive coordinator), plus he received a $1 million bonus from the late Jets owner Leon Hess.

That mumbling bastard stole $1 mil from a dead man. That bonus was given to him with the understanding that Belichick would become HC if/when Parcells decided he no longer wanted to coach.

Alphaman · 01-02-2006, 11:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by banyon

No offense, but you're siding with the billionaires? Do you like baseball or football? Because that's closer to BB rules and the NFL continually kicks its ass because they value the competitiveness of the league over any individual team's success. I think this is just one more situation where the NFL should distance themselves.

Actually when it comes to issues between management and players, I normally side with players.

However, if I pay $500 Million for a team, I'm not going to let fans who invest at most $5000 (most are much, much less than that) tell me how to run the team. I'll do what I think is best to win a Superbowl. If that means letting a coach go who wants to be somewhere else and getting cash back that I can invest in another coach or some players, I'll do it.

tk13 · 01-03-2006, 04:34 AM

Here's one NY sports columnist on the issue...

http://www.nydailynews.com/front/sto...p-322406c.html

Herm appears willing to Jet
Chiefs rumors grow with coach's 'no comment'

GARY MYERS
New York Daily News

Herm Edwards sounds like a man interested in Chiefs' job, or perhaps he is maneuvering for contract extension with Jets.

Bill Parcells set the standard for sudden and bizarre departures from the big office at Weeb Ewbank Hall. He read a poem to his players on his way out the door to the Jersey Shore. Bill Belichick then quit after 24 hours, scribbling a handwritten resignation. Al Groh liked the Jets so much he quit after one season. Herm Edwards is now in the on-deck circle.
Edwards could be gone within days. He insists he's staying and not planning an exit strategy. I think he could be leaving. There's definitely something to these Chiefs rumors that have been circulating since the opening week of the season, so I expect Chiefs president Carl Peterson to call Jets owner Woody Johnson or his Kansas City protege, GM Terry Bradway, perhaps as soon as today, to ask permission to speak to Edwards about replacing Dick Vermeil.

The Jets should not refuse, because if Edwards wants out, the last thing they need is a head coach who doesn't want to be here. The first step for the Jets is determining if Edwards wants to speak to Peterson. If he does want the job, before they let him talk, they have to work out compensation with the Chiefs or they lose their leverage. The Jets, who need to replenish the roster, should demand a first-round pick. Edwards is not Parcells or Belichick, especially on game day, but he is held in very high regard around the NFL.

There is a recent pattern here: The Jets don't fire coaches. The coaches fire them. Asked yesterday what his response would be if the Chiefs, or any of the teams lining up for head coaches, should call, Edwards said, "No comment."

Now contrast that to his response to the same question in November: "I don't want to talk to any team. I'm the Jets coach and I'm going to try and be here for the next 10 years. Period. I'm staying here. You don't have to call me. I'm staying right here."

So, why the no comment now?

"I don't want to get put in a corner," he said. "I'm here. I plan on being the Jets coach. That's my plan. That was my plan six weeks ago. Same plan. End of story. That's it. We don't need to talk about it any more."

But this is not going away so fast. At the heart of this issue, big surprise, is money, security and expectations. Instead of Edwards dodging questions about whether he is going to get fired after a 4-12 season, he might be fielding offers from multiple teams.

Edwards has two years left at about $2 million per season on his Jets contract. He probably could get a five-year deal for $20 million from the Chiefs. Relatively speaking, Edwards is underpaid. Mike Sherman, fired yesterday by the Packers, was making $3.2 million per year. Edwards' salary is in the bottom third of all coaches.

Unless Chad Pennington makes a full recovery and is back to his 2002 standards by opening day in September - what are the chances of that? - or Bradway brings in a quarterback who can win, then 2006 doesn't figure to produce many more victories than 2005. Then Edwards gets fired ... unless Johnson gives him a contract extension now. Johnson did that two years ago after a 6-10 season. That would be an awfully tough sell after a 4-12 year.

Edwards said he hasn't talked to his representatives, so he couldn't answer whether he or his agent would approach the Jets about upgrading his contract. Would he be happy to return under his existing contract?

"I'm happy to be the coach here and I'm going to be the coach here," he said. "That's as far as I want to comment on it. Let's just leave it alone."

Edwards has done a good job for the Jets. He's made the playoffs three times - more than any coach in their history - even though Bradway's only draft choice to make the Pro Bowl is Santana Moss, who did it for the Redskins. No coach could survive losing his top two quarterbacks within seven plays in the same game. But if Edwards leaves, the Jets will survive, especially if they get quality picks from the Chiefs.

Here's the recent compensation market: The Raiders received two No. 1s, two No. 2s and $8 million from the Bucs for Jon Gruden. The Pats got picks in the first four rounds from the Jets for Parcells. The Jets got a No. 1 from the Pats for Belichick. The Chiefs gave up second- and third-round picks to the Rams for Vermeil, who was out of football at the time. The Redskins gave up two No. 3 picks to K.C. for Marty Schottenheimer, also out of football.

What is Edwards worth? There is a shortage of candidates this year, Edwards has been a playoff coach and the Jets could sure use an extra No. 1. Besides, other than a franchise quarterback, the head coach is the most important person in the organization. The Chiefs also are interested in Redskins defensive coordinator Gregg Williams, Chargers offensive coordinator Cam Cameron and their own offensive coordinator, Al Saunders.

Of course, the Jets would have to hire a coach, too. Jim Haslett, fired yesterday by the Saints, is a name floating around. The Jets can aim higher. They would be better off promoting offensive coordinator Mike Heimerdinger or going after Williams, who interviewed with Edwards for the Jets' defensive coordinator job after he was fired in Buffalo.

On getaway day in the Jets locker room, Curtis Martin was convinced Edwards will be back. "If I was a betting man, I would bet on that," he said. "I would put a lot on Herm being here."

And if he leaves? "I think you would definitely have a lot of disappointed players," he said. "Myself included."

VonneMarie · 01-03-2006, 06:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tk13

Here's the recent compensation market: The Raiders received two No. 1s, two No. 2s and $8 million from the Bucs for Jon Gruden. The Pats got picks in the first four rounds from the Jets for Parcells. The Jets got a No. 1 from the Pats for Belichick. The Chiefs gave up second- and third-round picks to the Rams for Vermeil, who was out of football at the time. The Redskins gave up two No. 3 picks to K.C. for Marty Schottenheimer, also out of football.

That's giving up alot and yes,Carl is that stupid to do it.

Matt39 · 01-03-2006, 11:39 AM

ABOVE THE LAW: One of the most compelling figures in the Jets' season was cornerback Ty Law, the ballyhooed free-agent signing who intercepted a career-high 10 passes and made the Pro Bowl. But his sterling performance on the field was only one side of the story.

Turns out that Law was a major headache for the coaches. Apparently, he operated under the Ty Law Rules.

According to multiple sources, Law rarely practiced on Wednesdays, played overweight, argued with the strength-and-conditioning staff and hurt team chemistry with his attitude. His seat in the defensive meeting room was changed because the coaches didn't want him sitting next to promising rookie cornerback Justin Miller, said one source, claiming Law was a poor influence.

Law also wasn't required to attend Monday meetings, as per an agreement with Herm Edwards. Center Pete Kendall also had the same arrangement.

Edwards claimed Law wasn't a negative influence, adding that Law took a more active leadership role as the season progressed. But a person with knowledge of the situation said Law was "impossible" to handle. One player rolled his eyes when asked about Law's impact.

Asked if he provided leadership to the young players, Law said, "I gave what I am. I gave Ty Law."

Law, who knows he won't be back next season, left the locker room yesterday with a signed jersey from Curtis Martin and locker name plates that were autographed by various teammates. To retain Law, the Jets would have to pay an $11 million option bonus by March - and that's not happening. Law is eager to hit the free-agent market.

"I want to be an All-Pro again," said Law, who made $6 million for one season. "I'm trying to go back to the Super Bowl, I'm trying to get Defensive Player of the Year, I have so many goals in mind."

Law didn't rule out the possibility of returning to the Patriots. Don't hold your breath, Ty.

htismaqe · 01-03-2006, 11:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Matt39

ABOVE THE LAW: One of the most compelling figures in the Jets' season was cornerback Ty Law, the ballyhooed free-agent signing who intercepted a career-high 10 passes and made the Pro Bowl. But his sterling performance on the field was only one side of the story.

Turns out that Law was a major headache for the coaches. Apparently, he operated under the Ty Law Rules.

According to multiple sources, Law rarely practiced on Wednesdays, played overweight, argued with the strength-and-conditioning staff and hurt team chemistry with his attitude. His seat in the defensive meeting room was changed because the coaches didn't want him sitting next to promising rookie cornerback Justin Miller, said one source, claiming Law was a poor influence.

Law also wasn't required to attend Monday meetings, as per an agreement with Herm Edwards. Center Pete Kendall also had the same arrangement.

Edwards claimed Law wasn't a negative influence, adding that Law took a more active leadership role as the season progressed. But a person with knowledge of the situation said Law was "impossible" to handle. One player rolled his eyes when asked about Law's impact.

Asked if he provided leadership to the young players, Law said, "I gave what I am. I gave Ty Law."

Law, who knows he won't be back next season, left the locker room yesterday with a signed jersey from Curtis Martin and locker name plates that were autographed by various teammates. To retain Law, the Jets would have to pay an $11 million option bonus by March - and that's not happening. Law is eager to hit the free-agent market.

"I want to be an All-Pro again," said Law, who made $6 million for one season. "I'm trying to go back to the Super Bowl, I'm trying to get Defensive Player of the Year, I have so many goals in mind."

Law didn't rule out the possibility of returning to the Patriots. Don't hold your breath, Ty.

Yeah, we made a BIG mistake signing Patrick Surtain instead of this guy...

01-02-2006, 08:33 PM
tk13 ... Join Date: Nov 2001 Casino cash: $1512500	NY Newsday: Speculation persists despite Herm's denials http://www.nynewsday.com/sports/foot...orts-headlines Speculation persists despite what Herm says BY KEN BERGER STAFF WRITER January 3, 2006 Herman Edwards made his most emphatic statement yet about his intention to return to coach the Jets in 2006, but his words did little to quell speculation about his future. "I'm happy to be the coach here and I'm going to be the coach here," Edwards said in his season-ending news conference, less than 24 hours after the Jets beat the Bills, 30-26, to finish 4-12 -- the worst record in Edwards' five seasons as coach. But a person with knowledge of the team's situation said yesterday that as many as four teams, including the Chiefs, are expected to contact the Jets to ask permission to interview Edwards. Dick Vermeil, who retired as Kansas City's coach, and Chiefs president Carl Peterson will hold their season-ending news conference today. It is believed that the Chiefs are delaying any inquiries about coaches who are under contract until after that, out of respect for Vermeil. In addition, two people with knowledge of the Chiefs' situation said the organization is reluctant to pay draft-pick compensation for a coach after giving up a second- and third-round pick for Vermeil. It is possible that their initial offer to the Jets for Edwards would be to absorb the final two years on his contract, and draft-pick negotiations could flow from there. A Jets spokesman said no team had asked the Jets for permission to interview Edwards as of last night. Edwards and general manager Terry Bradway will address the media for the final time this season Thursday. Edwards' agent, Gary O'Hagan of IMG, said, "I have no comment" and hung up the phone when reached yesterday. Six jobs already are open: Kansas City, New Orleans, Houston, Green Bay, Minnesota and St. Louis. Decisions are pending in Detroit and Oakland. Any interest in Edwards could force Jets owner Woody Johnson to consider extending Edwards' contract for the second time in two years. Most players left for the offseason believing that Edwards will return, but the uncertainty was palpable. "He gave us his word saying he wasn't going anywhere," defensive end Shaun Ellis said, referring to a speech Edwards made to the team in October. "But when a person gives you an opportunity, you've got to take a serious look at it."
Posts: 55,050

01-02-2006, 09:34 PM	#16
teedubya Most Valuable Poster Join Date: Oct 2003 Casino cash: $9460002	thank you google.com Mark's View: The Belichick Blues http://www.sportslawnews.com/archive/Mark's%20View/Belichekblues.htm New York, January 7, 2000 -- It was a surreal showcase last week in New York Jets land. First, Bill Parcells announced he would step down as head coach, but remain as a sort of chief operating officer. The following day, his heir apparent, Bill Belichick, announced his resignation. Belichick, literally a coach for a day, assumed the head coach's position upon the resignation of Parcells. Belichick was in Parcells' shadow during the last three seasons while serving as defensive coordinator, with the understanding he was anointed successor as soon as Parcells left. Belichick was paid handsomely for being an assistant coach (and a very good defensive coordinator), plus he received a $1 million bonus from the late Jets owner Leon Hess. Belichick's reason for leaving was the "uncertainty" due to the impending sale of the team. [The team was sold to Robert Wood Johnson IV for $635 million, the third highest price for a professional sports team in North America.] However, there was much speculation that Belichick was miffed at not being able to talk to other teams about head coach openings. As an assistant coach, he could talk to other teams, but once he became head coach -- even for a day -- he was unable to. His lawyer filed a grievance to the league. Much head-scratching and anger has emanated from the Jets fans. But the legal issues are not as clear as many would like to think. While Belichick seems to have acted in a less than candid way, the good faith of the Jets is also an issue. The arguments 1. The Contract -- Belichick claims that his contract is subject to termination because of the ownership change. Nonsense. Belichick signed an agreement with the Jets, not Hess. If one does services for company X, which is bought out by company Y, that does not discharge the contract. The only exception would be is there was a "key-person" clause in Belichick's contract, that is, it is depending on the continued ownership of Hess. There is no evidence of that here. So Belichick breached his contract by resigning, and more important, if he attempted to sign with another club, a case would be made for a court injunction to stop him from going to a rival NFL team. Also, the Jets could be entitled some kind of monetary damages (though difficult to calculate in personal services contract cases) for the apparent breach. Also noteworthy is that Belichick has three years left on this Jets contract -- a significant amount of time. 2. The Jets' actions. This complicates the picture. It is no secret that the New England Patriots would like to contact Belichick and possibly give him the nod as head coach. A similar situation occurred in 1997 when Parcells wanted to leave the Patriots (where he was head coach). He had one year left on his contract, but could terminate it only if he would not coach for any other team. He came to the Jets as a "consultant" for that year (Belichick would be head coach) and then Parcells would assume the job. Seeing the farce in all this, Tagliabue brokered a deal giving New England a number of Jets draft picks. Patriots owner Robert Kraft may want to stick it to the Jets this time. As was said earlier, if Belichick remained an assistant, negotiations could occur; if he becomes head coach, they can't. If Parcells resigned his position quickly to hoist Belichick as head coach to circumvent Belichick's and the Patriots' rights, that is an act of bad faith on the Jets part. And that makes the situation more difficult. 3. The commissioner. In the NFL, like in other professional leagues, the commissioner has the jurisdiction to arbitrate disputes between teams and made final determinations. The grievance filed by Belichick is the first step in that direction. Commissioner Paul Tagliabue may fashion any remedy he sees fit -- which will likely be a release of Belichick in return for draft pick compensation. Usually, upon a sports commissioner's ruling, the cases do not go to court and most leagues prefer this not to happen. But it is a possibility. It may be that both parties have dirty fingers in this case.
Posts: 36,664

01-02-2006, 10:25 PM	#21
KcMizzou Supporter Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Parkville MO Casino cash: $10005170	I think we should trade next year's first rounder for Dungy.
Posts: 54,695

01-02-2006, 10:43 PM	#23
VonneMarie Don't look over here Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Kansas City, MO Casino cash: $10008987	I thought the NFL put a stop to trading picks for coaches?
Posts: 17,644

01-03-2006, 04:34 AM	#27
tk13 ... Join Date: Nov 2001 Casino cash: $1512500	Here's one NY sports columnist on the issue... http://www.nydailynews.com/front/sto...p-322406c.html Herm appears willing to Jet Chiefs rumors grow with coach's 'no comment' GARY MYERS New York Daily News Herm Edwards sounds like a man interested in Chiefs' job, or perhaps he is maneuvering for contract extension with Jets. Bill Parcells set the standard for sudden and bizarre departures from the big office at Weeb Ewbank Hall. He read a poem to his players on his way out the door to the Jersey Shore. Bill Belichick then quit after 24 hours, scribbling a handwritten resignation. Al Groh liked the Jets so much he quit after one season. Herm Edwards is now in the on-deck circle. Edwards could be gone within days. He insists he's staying and not planning an exit strategy. I think he could be leaving. There's definitely something to these Chiefs rumors that have been circulating since the opening week of the season, so I expect Chiefs president Carl Peterson to call Jets owner Woody Johnson or his Kansas City protege, GM Terry Bradway, perhaps as soon as today, to ask permission to speak to Edwards about replacing Dick Vermeil. The Jets should not refuse, because if Edwards wants out, the last thing they need is a head coach who doesn't want to be here. The first step for the Jets is determining if Edwards wants to speak to Peterson. If he does want the job, before they let him talk, they have to work out compensation with the Chiefs or they lose their leverage. The Jets, who need to replenish the roster, should demand a first-round pick. Edwards is not Parcells or Belichick, especially on game day, but he is held in very high regard around the NFL. There is a recent pattern here: The Jets don't fire coaches. The coaches fire them. Asked yesterday what his response would be if the Chiefs, or any of the teams lining up for head coaches, should call, Edwards said, "No comment." Now contrast that to his response to the same question in November: "I don't want to talk to any team. I'm the Jets coach and I'm going to try and be here for the next 10 years. Period. I'm staying here. You don't have to call me. I'm staying right here." So, why the no comment now? "I don't want to get put in a corner," he said. "I'm here. I plan on being the Jets coach. That's my plan. That was my plan six weeks ago. Same plan. End of story. That's it. We don't need to talk about it any more." But this is not going away so fast. At the heart of this issue, big surprise, is money, security and expectations. Instead of Edwards dodging questions about whether he is going to get fired after a 4-12 season, he might be fielding offers from multiple teams. Edwards has two years left at about $2 million per season on his Jets contract. He probably could get a five-year deal for $20 million from the Chiefs. Relatively speaking, Edwards is underpaid. Mike Sherman, fired yesterday by the Packers, was making $3.2 million per year. Edwards' salary is in the bottom third of all coaches. Unless Chad Pennington makes a full recovery and is back to his 2002 standards by opening day in September - what are the chances of that? - or Bradway brings in a quarterback who can win, then 2006 doesn't figure to produce many more victories than 2005. Then Edwards gets fired ... unless Johnson gives him a contract extension now. Johnson did that two years ago after a 6-10 season. That would be an awfully tough sell after a 4-12 year. Edwards said he hasn't talked to his representatives, so he couldn't answer whether he or his agent would approach the Jets about upgrading his contract. Would he be happy to return under his existing contract? "I'm happy to be the coach here and I'm going to be the coach here," he said. "That's as far as I want to comment on it. Let's just leave it alone." Edwards has done a good job for the Jets. He's made the playoffs three times - more than any coach in their history - even though Bradway's only draft choice to make the Pro Bowl is Santana Moss, who did it for the Redskins. No coach could survive losing his top two quarterbacks within seven plays in the same game. But if Edwards leaves, the Jets will survive, especially if they get quality picks from the Chiefs. Here's the recent compensation market: The Raiders received two No. 1s, two No. 2s and $8 million from the Bucs for Jon Gruden. The Pats got picks in the first four rounds from the Jets for Parcells. The Jets got a No. 1 from the Pats for Belichick. The Chiefs gave up second- and third-round picks to the Rams for Vermeil, who was out of football at the time. The Redskins gave up two No. 3 picks to K.C. for Marty Schottenheimer, also out of football. What is Edwards worth? There is a shortage of candidates this year, Edwards has been a playoff coach and the Jets could sure use an extra No. 1. Besides, other than a franchise quarterback, the head coach is the most important person in the organization. The Chiefs also are interested in Redskins defensive coordinator Gregg Williams, Chargers offensive coordinator Cam Cameron and their own offensive coordinator, Al Saunders. Of course, the Jets would have to hire a coach, too. Jim Haslett, fired yesterday by the Saints, is a name floating around. The Jets can aim higher. They would be better off promoting offensive coordinator Mike Heimerdinger or going after Williams, who interviewed with Edwards for the Jets' defensive coordinator job after he was fired in Buffalo. On getaway day in the Jets locker room, Curtis Martin was convinced Edwards will be back. "If I was a betting man, I would bet on that," he said. "I would put a lot on Herm being here." And if he leaves? "I think you would definitely have a lot of disappointed players," he said. "Myself included."
Posts: 55,050

01-03-2006, 11:39 AM	#29
Matt39 Starter Join Date: Jan 2006 Casino cash: $10004900	ABOVE THE LAW: One of the most compelling figures in the Jets' season was cornerback Ty Law, the ballyhooed free-agent signing who intercepted a career-high 10 passes and made the Pro Bowl. But his sterling performance on the field was only one side of the story. Turns out that Law was a major headache for the coaches. Apparently, he operated under the Ty Law Rules. According to multiple sources, Law rarely practiced on Wednesdays, played overweight, argued with the strength-and-conditioning staff and hurt team chemistry with his attitude. His seat in the defensive meeting room was changed because the coaches didn't want him sitting next to promising rookie cornerback Justin Miller, said one source, claiming Law was a poor influence. Law also wasn't required to attend Monday meetings, as per an agreement with Herm Edwards. Center Pete Kendall also had the same arrangement. Edwards claimed Law wasn't a negative influence, adding that Law took a more active leadership role as the season progressed. But a person with knowledge of the situation said Law was "impossible" to handle. One player rolled his eyes when asked about Law's impact. Asked if he provided leadership to the young players, Law said, "I gave what I am. I gave Ty Law." Law, who knows he won't be back next season, left the locker room yesterday with a signed jersey from Curtis Martin and locker name plates that were autographed by various teammates. To retain Law, the Jets would have to pay an $11 million option bonus by March - and that's not happening. Law is eager to hit the free-agent market. "I want to be an All-Pro again," said Law, who made $6 million for one season. "I'm trying to go back to the Super Bowl, I'm trying to get Defensive Player of the Year, I have so many goals in mind." Law didn't rule out the possibility of returning to the Patriots. Don't hold your breath, Ty.
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