Source: Chiefs, Edwards close to terms on contract

Associated Press

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The Kansas City Chiefs were close to coming to terms with Herman Edwards on a contract that would make him their next head coach, a person with knowledge of the negotiations told The Associated Press on Saturday night.

The person, who spoke on the condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the negotiations, said the team was hopeful of finishing the deal Sunday and formally introducing Edwards on Monday.

“There is reason to hope that something will be done by the first of the week,” the person said. “But reports that an agreement has been reached are simply not correct.”

The two sides are reportedly talking about an agreement that would give the 51-year-old Edwards between $4 million and $5 million a year, a hefty raise over the $2 million per year that he was making as Jets coach. The Chiefs received permission Friday morning to talk with Edwards after the NFL office gave the OK for the Chiefs to compensate the Jets with a fourth-round choice in the 2006 draft.

Edwards will replace Dick Vermeil, who resigned after five years and led the Chiefs to a 10-6 record. They were the only 10-win team not to make the playoffs.

Chiefs general manager Carl Peterson and Edwards have been close friends for more than 30 years, since Peterson tried to recruit him to UCLA. Edwards’ background as a defensive player and coach was also big factor in his favor.

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