NY Newsday: Speculation persists despite Herm's denials

[tk13]

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."

[siberian khatru]

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.

Don't be hating on Whitlock's boy.

[Matt39]

Oh god, how do you guys out there put up with that guy?


But anyway, I posted that article just to give you guys a heads up about Herm. There's been several stories that have suggested the inmates were running the asylum under Herm's tenure.

[siberian khatru]

Originally Posted by Matt39

Oh god, how do you guys out there put up with that guy?


But anyway, I posted that article just to give you guys a heads up about Herm. There's been several stories that have suggested the inmates were running the asylum under Herm's tenure.

So long as Ty Law makes the Pro Bowl, that's all that matters.

[CanadaKC]

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.

[htismaqe]

Please, either

1) use CARRIAGE RETURNS with PHP

2) use the quote command instead

You screwed up the layout of the whole thread!