ESPN Hires Herm Edwards

Herm Edwards was unemployed for six days. The Chiefs canned him last Friday and today, ESPN hired him. His ability to coach to win the game has taken some hits in recent seasons (Kansas City mustered six wins the last two years), but he's as charismatic as ever. And lucky for us, ESPN has recently started to consider such qualities when hiring on-air talent.

Which explains why Edwards might be Emmitt Smith's replacement. Or so speculates PFT. I don't think anybody would argue that Smith didn't struggle with the whole "live television" thing, but here's a thought: why didn't somebody -- anybody -- at ESPN just have him doing taped segments?

The guy obviously knows football, he just has trouble articulating it. Of course, that raises all sorts of other issues -- why ESPN hired him in the first place, chief among them.

As for Edwards' role with the World Wide Leader:

"Herm is well-liked and highly respected throughout the league, and his insights and opinions as a former coach will make a tremendous addition to our year-round NFL coverage," said Norby Williamson, ESPN executive vice president, production.

Edwards, who worked a brief stint at ESPN during the 2008 NFL offseason as a guest analyst, added: "I'm excited about the opportunity to join the ESPN team and offer my insight as a former player and head coach. I'm going to be truthful with my opinions on all the issues that take place on and off the field of play."

I just hope Herm can display proper etiquette. Jon Gruden would want it that way.