KANSAS CITY, Mo. (Jan. 6, 2006) -- Herman Edwards could be on his way to becoming the next Chiefs coach after Kansas City and the Jets agreed on a compensation deal.
The Chiefs would give the Jets a surprisingly low fourth-round pick if they hire Edwards, who has ties to the team and general manager Carl Peterson. Because Edwards was still under contract with the Jets, the Chiefs needed to give up something to get him.
Chiefs spokesman Bob Moore said that Peterson was on his way to New York to begin negotiations. The commissioner's office approved the fourth-round pick as compensation earlier Jan. 6 and granted Kansas City permission to speak with Edwards, who technically remains the head coach of the Jets.
The breakthrough ended several days of speculation and behind-the scenes maneuvering among Edwards, the Jets and the Chiefs, who are looking to replace the retired Dick Vermeil.
Moore said he did not think a deal would be wrapped up right away but added "that could change."
Negotiations are not expected to be lengthy between Peterson and Edwards, who was clearly the Chiefs first choice all along. Peterson, perhaps only to add to his bargaining leverage with New York, had also talked with Kansas City offensive coordinator Al Saunders and others.
