First time NFL HCs (1 Viewer)

[Chase Stuart]

In the wake of the Chip Kelly hiring, was thinking of what other examples are there. Here are a few:-- Mike Riley (Chargers 1999) - college player, assistant/HC for 24 years (last at Oregon State)-- Dennis Erickson (Seahawks 1995) - college player, college assistant/HC for 26 years (last at Miami)-- Jimmy Johnson (Cowboys 1991) - college assistant/HC for 25 years (last at Miami)-- Darryl Rogers (1985 Lions) - college player, college assistant/HC for 24 years (last at Arizona State)-- Lou Holtz (Jets 1976) - college player, college assistant/HC for 16 years (last at NC State)-- Tommy Prothro (Rams 1971) - college QB, college assistant/HC for 29 years (last at UCLA)Can anyone think of any others? Steve Spurrier was an NFL player and Nick Saban/Bobby Petrino were NFL coordinators, so they don't meet the profile.

 

[Raiderfan32904]

Technically Greg Schiano worked for the Bears for a couple of seasons as an assistant, but I think he meets the intent of the profile, being away from the pro game for more than a decade.

 

[Chase Stuart]

Barry Switzer with the '94 Cowboys is another - college player, college AC/HC for 28 years (last with Oklahoma)

 

[ImTheScientist]

Thats not a good track record.

 

[Chase Stuart]

Also, John McKay with the '76 Bucs - college player, college assistant/HC for 26 years (last with USC)

 

[Area51Inhabitant]

Bill Peterson made the jump from college (Florida St, Rice) to the Houston Oilers back in the early 70's and completely flopped.

 

[Don Quixote]

Paul Brown?

 

[Mentos]

Bud Wilkinson

 

[Tanner9919]

Frank Kush Colts 1982

Lou Holtz Jets 1976

Chuck Fairbanks Patriots 1973

Dan Devine Packers 1971

Spurrier most definitely needs to be included,although he had been an NFL player he had no NFL coaching experience, only USFL

I'd also include Jim Harbaugh who only had 2 season as an assistant in Oakland..Does Oakland even count as an NFL team these days?

many,many NFL assistants who've gotten head coaching jobs and failed: ( some miserably)

Mike Mularky, Chan Gailey ( came from college to fail in the pros), Ron Rivera, Norv Turner, Marc Trestman, Tom Cable, Rex Ryan, Marvin Lewis, Jim Mora Jr, Mike Nolan, Wade Phillips, Jason Garrett, Lane Kiffin, Cam Cameron,

Ron Meyer, Ray Rhodes, Bruce Coslet, Pete Carroll ( 1994 Jets),Rich Kotite, Herm Edwards, Eric Mangini, Ray Hanley