Black Monday: NFL Coaching Jobs For College Football Coaches

It’s Black Monday, which means NFL coaching jobs are opening up. Here are 11 college football coaches who could be NFL targets in 2016.

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Chip Kelly was sacked by the Philadelphia Eagles, turning into the latest example of a college coach unable to transition to the NFL. But while Kelly may be a cautionary tale for GMs, it’s important to remember that he was also weighed down by his own arrogance and thirst for power, as well as an offensive attack that might really be an odd fit for Sundays.

It’s Black Monday in the NFL, that day when a great purge of underperforming coaches occurs. And while current pro coaches will fill most of the openings, executives are keenly aware of the talent that lurks at the amateur level. The following 11 college coaches could generate serious interest, even if they have no plans on leaving the amateur game.

11. Matt Rhule, Temple

Rhule has done a terrific job with the Owls winning 10 games this past season. Plus, he’s just 40 years old and spent a season working for Tom Coughlin with the New York Giants in 2012. He’s a longshot at this point, but he and his family love living in downtown Philadelphia, and now that Jeffrey Lurie has pulled the plug on Kelly, Rhule has a chance to land on the Eagles’ short list.

BEST NFL FIT: Philadelphia Eagles

10. Pat Fitzgerald, Northwestern

While it’s hard to envision Fitz anywhere but Evanston, that hasn’t stopped NFL types from gauging his interest over the past few seasons. He’s very well-respected in pro circles for his ability to motivate and maximize his relatively modest talent at Northwestern. There’s going to come a time when Fitz, still just 41 years old, tires of a hard cap on his ceiling, and becomes open to leaving his alma mater.

BEST NFL FIT: San Francisco 49ers

9. Kevin Sumlin, Texas A&M

Yeah, Sumlin’s stock has dropped, the result of a middling season and a disturbing trend of quarterbacks transferring out of Aggieland. Still, he remains firmly on the NFL radar. Even with all of the issues, his personal interest level ought to be soaring after dealing with the departures of Kyle Allen and Kyler Murray and tiring of residing in the ultra-competitive SEC West. Sumlin and Johnny Manziel reuniting in Cleveland? Sure would make for compelling theater.

BEST NFL FIT: Cleveland Browns or Miami Dolphins

8. Art Briles, Baylor

Could Briles be a modern-day Barry Switzer for Jerry Jones in Dallas? Jones hasn’t won a Super Bowl since Switzer was his head coach two decades ago, so it might be time to go a little unconventional again. Briles has been a miracle-worker in Waco, transforming the Bears into a national powerhouse. And he’s beloved within the state of Texas. However, concerns about his fast-paced spread working on Sundays have grown stronger in the aftermath of Chip Kelly’s struggles in Philly.

BEST NFL FIT: New Orleans Saints

7. Mark Dantonio, Michigan State

Would he leave East Lansing? Who knows, but that’s why you call his agent. One this is certain—Dantonio is an elite head coach who’s won at least 11 games in five of the last six seasons. Plus, he carries himself with all of the no-nonsense seriousness of an NFL guy falling under the Belichick tree. His defenses are always tough and his offenses are already pro-style. As transitions go, few would make a smoother one from the college ranks.

BEST NFL FIT: New York Giants

6. Jim Harbaugh, Michigan

Does he leave Ann Arbor after just one season? Extremely doubtful. But you have to inquire, don’t you? At some point, Harbaugh is going back to the NFL in pursuit of a Super Bowl championship. And he’ll be looking for an ideal situation that includes the right front office and the right mix of talent, especially behind center. Does such a place exist today? Probably not, but Harbaugh was the guy who recruited Andrew Luck to Stanford, and Luck likely has a new coach in 2016.

BEST NFL FIT: San Francisco 49ers … kidding. Miami Dolphins

5. Bob Stoops, Oklahoma

The NFL has been keenly aware of Stoops for many years, and after having done everything in Norman over the past 17 seasons, the longest-tenured college coach might be looking to shake things up in his career. Stoops is also coming off a terrific campaign with the Sooners – his appeal remains very high among NFL execs. The Browns showed interest in bringing Stoops back to his home state just two years ago, and could once again be back in the market for a new head coach.

BEST NFL FIT: Cleveland Browns

4. Jim Mora, UCLA

Mora has plenty of NFL experience, a mixed bag of four years leading the Atlanta Falcons and the Seattle Seahawks. However, he’s largely acquitted himself well in four seasons in Westwood, helping reverse the fortunes of the Bruins. Mora has enjoyed his time in Los Angeles, which could conceivably continue in the NFL if the Chargers fire Mike McCoy and move the franchise 120 miles up the coast. It’s a possibility worth watching, though Mora is clearly relishing his first head job in college, and has emerging QB Josh Rosen for at least the next two seasons.

BEST NFL FIT: Tennessee Titans

3. Nick Saban, Alabama

Is he really ready to leave the current environment he created in Tuscaloosa? It won’t stop organizations like the Colts and possibly the Giants from at least inquiring about college football’s premier coach. Saban is 64, yet he has the energy of a guy considerably younger, so age won’t be a factor. NFL teams will hold out hope that the four-time national champion still has the itch to become a Super Bowl winner, especially after his two-year stint with the Dolphins flopped. At this stage, it’s doubtful Saban leaves a great situation, but watch out for a few pro owners get ready to give him anything he wants.

BEST NFL FIT: Cleveland Browns

2. Brian Kelly, Notre Dame

Kelly has guffawed in the past at the notion of coaching in the NFL. But would he change his tone if, say, the Giants offered him an opportunity to replace Tom Coughlin? Kelly isn’t a typical college coach, and he doesn’t run a typical college program. He’s an outstanding gameday coach, as opposed to someone who’s a builder first and foremost, and thriving in the South Bend pressure-cooker has prepared him for all challenges. Kelly interviewed with the Eagles three years ago, and would be a good fit in an NFL organization. But is this what he wants next in his career?

BEST NFL FIT: Detroit Lions or Tennessee Titans

1. David Shaw, Stanford

What’s not to like about Shaw? The 43-year-old has extensive NFL coaching experience, the temperament to handle pro players and a philosophy of play that meshes well with the league. Oh, he’s also taken the Cardinal to a new level since succeeding Jim Harbaugh, winning three league titles in five years. Shaw is very happy coaching in California at his alma mater, which explains why the NFL’s love for him has gone unrequited. Still, you can bank on his agent fielding a bunch of calls in the next week, because he’s that respected and coveted in GM circles.

BEST NFL FIT: Indianapolis Colts