Few successful college coaches have enjoyed similar success in the pro ranks. At the same time, how many coaches in the pro ranks, who have cut their teeth in the professional league, enjoy great success in the college ranks? Pete Carroll is the only one that comes to mind immediately. I'm sure there are a few others.
At the college level, I prefer the coaches to have had extensive experience in the college game. The college culture is vastly different from the pro ranks, so it would be a definite benefit if the coaches understand the collegiate culture and its younger mind set: 18-22 year-olds versus the older group. Additionally, it appears as though the coaches that have an extensive NFL background continually have their eyes directed at the pro ranks. Not saying its wrong, just appears to be the case.
Kirk Ferentz got his start in lower ranks of college football and then coached under Hayden Fry before he got his first head coaching job at Maine (Division IAA). He then went to the pros for a few short years as an assistant and then to Iowa. All of his assistants, if I'm not mistaken, have been immersed in the college game and not the pros, especially offensive coordinator Ken O'Keefe and defensive coordinator Norm Parker. And the Hawkeyes have had one of the most stable coaching staffs in the Big 10.
Since recruiting plays a big part in the success of a college team, the necessary relationships that must be developed for a successful recruiting program would seem to favor the coaches with an extensive college game background.
Any thoughts? If you were a head coach at the college level, where would you look for your assistants?
Go Gophers!!
At the college level, I prefer the coaches to have had extensive experience in the college game. The college culture is vastly different from the pro ranks, so it would be a definite benefit if the coaches understand the collegiate culture and its younger mind set: 18-22 year-olds versus the older group. Additionally, it appears as though the coaches that have an extensive NFL background continually have their eyes directed at the pro ranks. Not saying its wrong, just appears to be the case.
Kirk Ferentz got his start in lower ranks of college football and then coached under Hayden Fry before he got his first head coaching job at Maine (Division IAA). He then went to the pros for a few short years as an assistant and then to Iowa. All of his assistants, if I'm not mistaken, have been immersed in the college game and not the pros, especially offensive coordinator Ken O'Keefe and defensive coordinator Norm Parker. And the Hawkeyes have had one of the most stable coaching staffs in the Big 10.
Since recruiting plays a big part in the success of a college team, the necessary relationships that must be developed for a successful recruiting program would seem to favor the coaches with an extensive college game background.
Any thoughts? If you were a head coach at the college level, where would you look for your assistants?
Go Gophers!!