Windy City Gridiron
That time has arrived again, and our own ECD returns with a list of quality candidates to consider. Part 1 was published early this morning, and Part 2 is right here.
EDITOR: In part 1 (here), ECD featured the first-time candidates who are currently working as coordinators in the NFL. That is all except for the most talked about O.C. from Motown, who we’ll learn more about at the end of this article.
Part 2 features college head coaches looking to make the jump to the NFL, some darkhorse candidates, the retreads, ECD’s Hell-no list, the interim, and the favorite.
Every year, there are coaches who people believe could jump from the NCAA into the pros as head coaches. Just last year, Jim Harbaugh returned to the pros (again) after leading Michigan to a natty and then taking the job at Inglewood, CA. There are two big names to consider this go-round. It’s worth mentioning the Chicago Bears have never made a hire with this approach before.
Keep in mind that any big hire coming from the NCAA ranks will require both a buyout and a likely agreement to yield control of the operation to some extent. Whether it’s a share of authority with roster management or even executive authority to report directly to ownership, there are some considerations to make. Otherwise, what’s the point for anyone to leave the NCAA ranks?
This is one of the two most blatantly obvious “connect the dots” candidates we should hear being connected with the Bears all throughout January. As I mentioned above, the Bears have never hired a coach directly from the collegiate ranks. Although they allegedly came close in 2004 with Nick Saban, before he pivoted to the Miami Dolphins, and GM Jerry Angelo settled for Lovie Smith. Some things just happen for reasons I suppose...
Anyway, Lincoln Riley has a very long and close working relationship with Caleb Williams. The two have known each other since Lincoln recruited Caleb out of high school to join the Oklahoma Sooners. As a true freshman, Caleb Williams replaced Spencer Rattler against Texas in his legendary comeback and breakout performance. Then the two traveled together to USC once Lincoln Riley secured the bag in Los Angeles.
The amount of juice Lincoln routinely gets out of his offense has always been awe-inspiring. Having an impact on future NFL quarterbacks like Baker Mayfield and Jalen Hurts in addition to Caleb Williams will have his name circled by clubs looking to make that splash at luring a big-time QB guru as their head coach. There are just a couple of pretty serious issues when considering the jump.
First and foremost - his defenses have been absolutely atrocious. In his career as a head coach he has yet to find a decent DC to entrust his defense with. Sometimes, you do wonder if he’s capable of ever finding that guy and if he’ll ever get to the playoffs...
