In looking at the success Pete Carroll, Rich Brooks and Dennis Erickson have had as college coaches after failing as NFL head coaches, did that experience make them better prepared for their current positions?</p> Each of these coaches had a different coaching path. Carroll started as a college assistant, moved to be an NFL assistant and then eventually an NFL head coach before becoming the USC head coach. Erickson started as a college assistant, moved to be a low level college head coach and then kept moving up the college head coaching ranks until he reached the U. Then he became an NFL head coach, then back to college, back to the NFL, back to a lower college level and then finally to Arizona State. Brooks spent years alternating between being a college assistant and NFL assistant before finally landing a college head coaching position. He remained there for 18 seasons before becoming an NFL head coach then to NFL assistant and after a couple of years off to his position at Kentucky.</p>
I think it helps a coach appreciate his return to the college ranks. Al Groh has total control of the football program at UVa. He can yank your scholarship and ship your butt home (see Ahmed Brooks).</p> He couldn't do that if he was coaching the Jets. So if nothing else it gives them an appreciation for what they do have at a College.</p>
I also think players like to play for a coach that has NFL ties. I think it really does make a difference for undrafted free agents and late round picks.</p>
The most obvious one is Steve Spurrier. He's a brilliant coach - college or pro - but he's not willing to work 20 hours a day and let the rest of his life go to hell.</p> That's why the best NFL head coaches are either nerdy kids (Mangine), lifers (Nolan, Payton), heartless bastards (Belichick), or old guys with huge egos and no other identity (Parcells, Vermeil, Gibbs).</p> I mean, I think Andy Reid is a nice guy, but he's obviously suffering from all the sacrifices he's had to make. That is something he could have avoided if he just found a nice college and learned how to host banquets and kiss babies. (Even Dave Wannstedt can keep a long-term job. It's not that difficult.)</p> I like June Jones the best. He started in Hawaii, bounced around the pros a bit, said "f this" (Jeff George. Who needs it?) and took Mouse Davis' ball back to Hawaii to retire in the sun and create Heisman QBs out of thin air.</p>
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Old Bob)</div><div class='quotemain'></p> I think it helps a coach appreciate his return to the college ranks. Al Groh has total control of the football program at UVa. He can yank your scholarship and ship your butt home (see Ahmed Brooks).</p> He couldn't do that if he was coaching the Jets. So if nothing else it gives them an appreciation for what they do have at a College.</p> </div></p> For every Groh, there is a Wannstedt.the vanilla onepretty much had total control in S Florida and has a great deal power @ his alma mater. Yet, he is on the hot seat.</p> Plain & simple, Wanny is a terrible Head coach but adecent DC w/ JJ there to hold his hand.</p>
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (ghoti)</div><div class='quotemain'></p> I mean, I think Andy Reid is a nice guy, but he's obviously suffering from all the sacrifices he's had to make. That is something he could have avoided if he just found a nice college and learned how to host banquets and kiss babies. (Even Dave Wannstedt can keep a long-term job. It's not that difficult.)</p> </div></p> If memory serves, Reid was hoped by some to succeed LaVell Edwards & then again to replace Crowton at BYU.</p> The one I don't see mentioned is Pete Carroll.</p> Urban Meyer is smart enough to recognize that college is where he belongs unlike the egomaniacal Saban. Though, Urban would make a great Special teams or Offensive co-ordinator in the NFL IMO.</p> </p>
I dont think Failing in the NFL would help a College head coach. What does help is if his players go into the NFL and make a name for themself. Imagine Carroll talking to a High School QB, and he just has to bring up Palmer, Lihnert and maybe even strike a heisman pose.</p>
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Ed the Decider)</div><div class='quotemain'></p> I dont think Failing in the NFL would help a College head coach. What does help is if his players go into the NFL and make a name for themself. Imagine Carroll talking to a High School QB, and he just has to bring up Palmer, Lihnert and maybe even strike a heisman pose.</p> </div></p> Look at where USC was when Pete took over and his lack of success in the NFL. Besides having boosters with deep pockets, how did he get all of that talent to commit to USC?</p> </p>
