Some coaches have no problem settling in as a TV talking head.
The hours are better and the pay isn’t too bad either (even if it’s not quite up to par with what Nick Saban or Bob Stoops make these days).
But the really good ones miss the rush that comes with Saturdays in the fall. It’s all about feeding the ego, and almost every football coach has one of those. We even found Bill Stewart has a huge ego.
One exception to this rule is former Notre Dame coach Ara Parseghian. He made a smooth transition to the TV booth after he was done in South Bend.
So who are the most likely coaches on the sidelines this season who will be coaching next fall?
Let’s take a look.
Rich Rodriguez
Current job: Analyst with CBS
Last coaching gig: Michigan
After becoming one of the hottest coaches in the game by resurrecting West Virginia into a perennial Top 20 team that even came within a game of playing for the BCS Championship, Rodriguez made a huge mistake.
Minutes after saying yes to Michigan, Rodriguez probably realized he had made a huge mistake. His three seasons in Ann Arbor were a nightmare all the way around. Of course, you could argue he wasn’t given enough time.
While his reputation is dented, it is not damaged.
Rodriguez compiled a 60-26 record in seven seasons at WVU, including a huge 38-35 victory over Georgia in the 2006 Sugar Bowl. That is easily enough to warrant another coaching opportunity. He’s also a quality recruiter, who develops three-star talent into all-conference and even All-American players.
Most likely landing spot in 2012: Clemson head coach
Randy Shannon
Current job: ESPN analyst
Last coaching gig: Miami
Shannon was loved by his players at Miami, but he just didn’t win enough for Donna Shalala and former AD Kirby Hocut.
He went 28-22 and never really challenged for an ACC title. That just doesn’t cut it at The U.
Shannon did emphasize academics more than any other Miami coach, which was something he was asked to do after taking over for Larry Coker.
Shannon is considered one of the best defensive coordinators in the country, as well as a top-notch recruiter. If someone is looking for a coach to tap the South Florida market, Shannon is a good fit.
Most likely landing spot in 2012: Arizona
Urban Meyer
Current job: ESPN analyst
Last coaching gig: Florida
If Meyer decides to coach again he can probably name his job.
He won two BCS Championships at Florida and helped build the Utah program that is now part of the Pac-12.
Meyer is the ultimate ego coach, and when things started to fall off a bit at Florida he bailed. Of course he has some health issues that served as a good cover.
So instead of resting and spending time with family, Meyer chose ESPN for his respite. Hopefully he can avoid the career path of Steve Phillips and Harold Reynolds.
Meyer is one of the most respected coaches in the game, but also one of the most hated.
Almost any team would love to have him.
Most likely landing spot in 2012: Ohio State
Michael Haywood
Current job: Unknown
Last coaching gig: Pittsburgh (or Miami of Ohio)
Haywood got his big chance after leading Miami to a Mid-American Conference championship.
Then he had one regretful night in South Bend with an on-again, off-again girlfriend. Pittsburgh fired him and now that the charges have been dropped, he wants to get paid by Pitt. He also wants to coach again.
So why not give him another shot.
His final year with the RedHawks is about all he has to go on, since his time at Notre Dame was marred by a strained relationship with Charlie Weis.
Haywood isn’t likely to get a BCS job, but he could start over at Sun Belt or even Conference USA school.
Most likely landing spot in 2012: Tulane
Dan Hawkins
Current job: ESPNU game analyst
Last coaching gig: Colorado
It’s hard to figure out how Dan Hawkins’ coaching career totally blew up at Colorado, but it did.
His top recruits almost never panned out, and it took him too long to see his son starting at quarterback was a bad move.
A year off from coaching is probably the best medicine for Hawkins’ reputation.
Future employers should look closer at his time at Boise State and his ability to recruit, and then he should get a new shot.
Most likely landing spot in 2012: New Mexico
