Fansided
Fansided

Top Fits For College Coaches Seeking NFL Jobs In 2016

By Erik Lambert

facebooktwitterreddit

Oct 15, 2015; Stanford, CA, USA; Stanford Cardinal coach David Shaw leads players onto field before the NCAA football game against the UCLA Bruins at Stanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

It’s not clear yet how many NFL head coaching jobs might be available in 2016, but it’s typically somewhere between three and five.  That means a number of possible candidates will be jumping into the foray, including several top college coaches looking to make the jump to the big show.

Among the biggest names, where would they likely fit best?

Kevin Sumlin (Texas A&M)

Best Fit:  Miami Dolphins

Unlike Joe Philbin, who didn’t actually coordinate the offense in Green Bay (i.e. call the plays) before taking over the Miami Dolphins, Kevin Sumlin has no such glaring omission in his offensive background.  He has routinely churned out quality quarterbacks, wide receivers and offensive lineman at Texas A&M and was the college coach of Ryan Tannehill.  It’s a natural reunion that could finally get the most out of the young quarterback, especially given his wide array of weapons.

Brian Kelly (Notre Dame)

Best Fit:  Detroit Lions

A team with a long-suffering tradition needs a coach who knows how to navigate out of such things.  Few have it worse than the Detroit Lions, who are facing the prospects of gaining the #1 overall pick after making the playoffs last year.  That puts head coach Jim Caldwell in jeopardy.

Brian Kelly has worked a near-miracle at Notre Dame, turning them from a has-been program that hadn’t placed higher than 11th in the AP poll since 1993 into a powerhouse that finished 4th in 2012, playing in the national championship game.  He’s good at fostering defenses, strong running games and stout offensive lines.  Everything that team needs.

Nick Saban (Alabama)

Best Fit:  New Orleans Saints

Remember.  Sean Payton said he would coach the New Orleans Saints as long as Drew Brees was there.  Now it’s possible the 36-year old could leave in 2016, and already rumors have cropped up about Payton being interested in jobs elsewhere.  It’s realistic to think that spot could be vacated by January.

So why Nick Saban?  First of all, he’s familiar with Louisiana football fans, having coached LSU to a national title before his first jump to the NFL.  The Saints have a solid foundation in place for running the football and playing good defense, two Saban staples.  Not to mention an experienced GM in Mickey Loomis and smaller media market than what he encountered in Miami.

Art Briles (Baylor)

Best Fit:  Washington Redskins

How would this be for the ultimate twist?  Jay Gruden is fast seeing his credibility erode with the Washington Redskins.  Recent comeback not withstanding, his inability to coach up Kirk Cousins and then refusal to move away from him signal a coach riding on a sinking ship.  If he can’t get that team to the playoffs or at least a winning record, he’s most likely out what with a new GM in charge.

Scot McCloughan could then please his owner by rescuing perhaps the biggest draft bust in team history.  How?  By hiring Art Briles.  He’s the man in charge of the dynamic Baylor offenses that continues to run circles around college defenses.  He’s also the man who turned Robert Griffin III into a Heisman trophy winner.  A reunion there may just save the young quarterbacks’ career.

David Shaw (Stanford)

Best Fit:  Indianapolis Colts

The situation surrounding the Indianapolis Colts is a simple one.  Whomever they choose to replace Chuck Pagano must be able to create an environment that will help Andrew Luck flourish.  Obviously the easiest course of action is either hiring the best offensive mind possible or finding somebody who might be familiar with the player himself.

That is where David Shaw comes in.  He was part of the staff at Stanford that helped turn Luck into the #1 overall pick in 2012.  Since then he has become an accomplished head coach for the Cardinal with a diverse background on both offense and defense.  If anybody will know what do to with the Colts, it’s him.

Next: 2016 NFL Mock Draft: Beware The Trade Avalanche

More from NFL Mocks

Home/College Football