NFL vs. FBS coaching
If you had a choice to be a coach at either a top college program, say Florida or UM, or an NFL coach for say the Patriots, which would you do and why? I feel that the salaries in college are on the same level as NFL head coaching salaries nowadays so it doesn't really come to that. Both jobs are year round and require a lot of time away from the family so both jobs suck in that respect. I guess what it really comes down to for me is the stability of the jobs. I think that the chances of getting fired in the NFL is a lot higher as it is in college. Also, in the NFL you are dealing with grown men and egos and multimillion dollar contracts so it takes a lot to gain the respect of your players and management. I feel that in college the job is much more rewarding in that you can have an impact on younger kids lives and prepare them for the real world at the same time as you are preparing them for the big leagues. In all my bias towards college football and all its traditions would make me want to coach college over the NFL. I am interested in hearing what others think.
December 2nd, 2008 at 10:11 PM ^
That's for sure, but NFL coaches are much better paid. I don't know all the stats, but there are coaches who make 8 million a year. The average NFL coach probably gets paid more than Rodriguez (but it might be less than Saban).
If the sole concern is money, then the NFL it is. However, I think you're right about dealing with players would be better in college than the NFL. Although, I would imagine recruiting is a big grind and not fun. There isn't really anything like that in the pros.
Assuming you are a good coach, it is currently easier to be a college coach at a big school. They all play about 3 easy non-conference games and then there are invariably 2-3 easy conference matchups. If there aren't extenuating circumstances, it is hard to not have a winning season. Granted, if you go 7-5 every year you'll get fired. But the point is that it is hard to have a really bad year that will get you fired immediately.
December 2nd, 2008 at 10:35 PM ^
Plaxico, Pacman, Vick.
I'll stick to college where I can pick my own talent.
One more word...Millen
December 2nd, 2008 at 10:52 PM ^
If a professional displays bad character, it does not reflect on his coach.
If a college kid screws up, the coach often gets blamed.
December 2nd, 2008 at 10:49 PM ^
'Also, in the NFL you are dealing with grown men and egos and multimillion dollar contracts so it takes a lot to gain the respect of your players and management.'
No doubt this is true. But in college you have to deal with kids and big egos. You have to be a parent/babysitter. Recruiting is year-round, and you have to answer to alumni, school officials, the NCAA, parents, etc etc. Not to mention academics.
In the pros it's the business of football. If a guy isn't doing the job, you get rid of him and find someone who can. It's more an X's and O's gig in the NFL if you're a coach. Disciplinary decisions are handled by the league and the organizations.
December 2nd, 2008 at 11:43 PM ^
College, 100%. You pick your own players, and you can outwork other coaches.
December 3rd, 2008 at 1:38 AM ^
As much as I love college football* I would rather be an NFL coach. I could list a number of reasons why and these are a few:
1. You get to work with the best players in the world.
2. You get the challenge of going against the best players and coaches.
3. You have more time to spend on football.
4. Playing field is more level.
* As a fan I enjoy college sports much more than professional sports with the exception of hockey.