Dear NFL GMs: Leave NFL coaching to NFL coaches
Bobby Petrino certainly wasn’t the first NFL head coach to run back to the college game with his tail between his legs, but why do so many college coaches fail in the pros? In my latest column, I take a closer look while offering up a bit of advice for NFL owners and GMs: leave NFL coaching to NFL coaches.
Posted in: NFL






the games are so different. Owners need to stay away from college coaches
I wonder what things would have been like if Spurrier had come in as an offensive coordinator for a few years. I doubt he could have choked his ego back enough to do it, but I think it would have made a difference.
I think you’re right on this one Anthony – it’s a rare individual who can make the leap. The rest probably need years as an assistant or coordinator to have much chance at success. So I don’t think the NFL should completely ignore the college ranks, but they need to be careful about the process.
Going directly from the college ranks to head coach of an NFL franchise appears to be a losing proposition for the vast majority.
Good point about Spurrier, Jeff. I agree, if he would have been a coordinator for two or three years and then became a head coach, I think he might have had more success. But like you said, his ego would have never allowed that.
I think ego is a problem for most of these guys. Saban, Petrino, Spurrier – they all want it done their way and if they can’t get it their way, they’ll take their ball and go home (college).
I think the NFL will smarten up from now on and stay clear of these College Hotshots.