LOOKS LIKE 2 MID ROUNDERS FOR HERM
Sounds like he's leaving
Source says Herm's move from Jets to Chiefs 'isn't a done deal but is moving in that direction'
BY KEN BERGER AND BOB GLAUBER
STAFF WRITERS
January 5, 2006
Talks between the Jets and Chiefs progressed Wednesday, with indications that a deal allowing Jets coach Herman Edwards out of his contract in exchange for middle-round draft picks could be finalized in the next day or two.
"It's not a done deal, but it's certainly moving in that direction," a person with knowledge of the situation told Newsday Wednesday night.
There were strong signals that the compensation package for Edwards could consist of fourth- and fifth-round picks, although the Chiefs were said to be pushing for fifth- and sixth-rounders. But there also were indications Wednesday night that several options, including a contract extension for Edwards, remained on the table.
Jets owner Woody Johnson was said to be contemplating the unlikely and potentially untenable option of denying the Chiefs' attempt to hire Edwards and trying to force him to return under a contract that has two years remaining at $2 million per season.
Amid broadcast reports that the deal was close to being done Wednesday night, one person with knowledge of the talks said the Jets were merely .waiting for Edwards to confirm that he was leaving. It's possible that the situation could be resolved before the Jets hold a previously scheduled news conference involving Edwards and general manager Terry Bradway Thursday at 11 a.m.
The Jets' brain trust (minus a major component, Edwards) was said to have huddled Wednesday to chart the organization's future. Johnson, who did not return a telephone message left at his Manhattan office, met with president Jay Cross, Bradway and assistant general manager Mike Tannenbaum.
The person with knowledge of the situation, who characterized the deal as "moving in that direction" of being completed, said there has been no indication that Bradway's future is at issue.
While the Edwards talks have progressed in the last two days, Chiefs president/general manager Carl Peterson has been doing his homework. He had two days of what were described as substantive talks with Ravens offensive coordinator Jim Fassel in Baltimore, which concluded Wednesday. It is believed that Fassel, the former Giants coach, also would be a candidate for the Jets job.
Peterson also has interviewed his own offensive .coordinator, Al Saunders, and expressed interest in Broncos offensive coordinator Gary Kubiak, former Browns and University of Miami coach Butch Davis, and perhaps Chargers offensive coordinator Cam Cameron.
The Jets' likely head-coaching opening presents many .intriguing and potentially complicated options for Bradway. The team's three top assistants -- special-teams coach Mike Westhoff, .offensive coordinator Mike Heimerdinger and defensive coordinator Donnie Henderson -- are highly qualified and interested.
The Jets' coaching staff has meetings Thursday, and then will be away from the complex while the team continues to plot strategy. But the top assistants were still in the dark Wednesday night, not knowing Edwards' status or what their role in the upheaval could be.
If the Jets opt not to promote one of their own, the roles of Heimerdinger and Henderson could be in question depending on whether the Jets hire an offensive-minded or defensive-minded coach. Henderson already has an interview scheduled with the Saints, who fired Jim Haslett Monday.
While the Jets talked strategy, Edwards and his agent, Gary O'Hagan of IMG, were doing the same. Reached at his Minnesota office Wednesday, O'Hagan declined comment.
There was a sense of urgency to get Edwards' situation resolved, because top candidates already are interviewing for eight head-coaching vacancies. The Jets have to move quickly, which shouldn't be a problem.
They've been down this road before.