16 replies to this topic

[morphius12812003]

In your opinion, from your perspective, and from what you have learned, what does it take to succesfully transition as a head coach from College into the NFL?

[kb420]

I think the one of the best things a college coach can do is try to hire some NFL experienced coordinators.  Let them know who's in charge,  but at the same time learn from them and value their opinion.  There is a huge difference between the college game and the NFL.

[morphius12812003]

kb420, on 11 January 2013 - 09:11 AM, said:

I think the one of the best things a college coach can do is try to hire some NFL experienced coordinators.  Let them know who's in charge,  but at the same time learn from them and value their opinion.  There is a huge difference between the college game and the NFL.

ok, so ...in summary of your comments:

#1) Surrounding yourself with NFL quality coaching assistants and coordinators...good start

[E-A-G-L-E-S Eagles]

Quality Exposure to the NFL game - Not necessarily as a Coordinator or Head Coach, but some time around MEN who have huge contracts versus kids with scholarships hanging over their heads. It seems easier to direct a poor kid over a millionaire.

Salesmanship and Flexibility - This is probably the big one....can you convince others - players, coordinators, staff, etc - to buy into your systems, especially proven NFL staff members.  A college coach will need to hire good coordinators - can he turn them toward what he envisions?  Can Brian Kelly function with Mike Nolan (or any other name)?

[eagleeyejk]

From the broad perspective you've got to deal with pro players and make them buy in to you and your system so if it is a Pro system, it's going to be easier .

You have to adjust your ways of dealing with players some of whom are making more than you and sort of consider you beneath them. Pro coaches (coordinators, assistants) are exposed to the mentality and know their place especially ones who have been around pro game a long time.

[morphius12812003]

eagleeyejk, on 11 January 2013 - 09:32 AM, said:

From the broad perspective you've got to deal with pro players and make them buy in to you and your system so if it is a Pro system, it's going to be easier .

You have to adjust your ways of dealing with players some of whom are making more than you and sort of consider you beneath them. Pro coaches (coordinators, assistants) are exposed to the mentality and know their place especially ones who have been around pro game a long time.

Certainly, understanding the social dynamics of players, coaches, agents, and families is a necessity.

[Vee]

Probably the same as any other job.  They need to display the capacity to come into a program and over several years, show a history of consistent improvement.

Interviews will root out the causes of any down years, or outliers.  Its up to the interviewer to see if it's "believable" or not.

The longer the resume, the easier it will be to track progress.  Short stints could be tied to specific outstanding athletes.

[morphius12812003]

Vee, on 11 January 2013 - 09:50 AM, said:

Probably the same as any other job.  They need to display the capacity to come into a program and over several years, show a history of consistent improvement.

Interviews will root out the causes of any down years, or outliers.  Its up to the interviewer to see if it's "believable" or not.

The longer the resume, the easier it will be to track progress.  Short stints could be tied to specific outstanding athletes.

A la Gene Chidzik, yeah...however, he did do the recruiting to get these guys, and was able to make the necessary improvements to get to the championship.

Certainly resumes play a factor in selecting a coach..........but I am more concerened with what it takes to "sucessfully transition"

[AceofSpades]

morphius12812003, on 11 January 2013 - 09:04 AM, said:

In your opinion, from your perspective, and from what you have learned, what does it take to succesfully transition as a head coach from College into the NFL?

The college coach has to be willing to accept the fact that it's not the same game and he has to adapt and adjust what he's done in the past. He's gotta be willing to listen to what other people are trying to tell and be open & receptive to what happens in the NFL. He's gotta understand that some of the things that worked in college won't work in the NFL and teams adjust faster in the NFL than they do in college. The speed of the game is a lot different and he's gotta be willing to ask for help from experienced coaches. He can't come in like he invented the game of football or that he knows it all or like nobody can tell him anything.

[we_gotta_believe]

The direct transition from NCAA HC to NFL HC hasnt been easy for just about everyone who has attempted it. The only ones I can think of that won it all are Jimmy Johnson and Bill Walsh. Any others that have made the leap in recent years and took a team to the SB?

Harbaugh could be next on that list, but he has to win a couple more playoff games first.

[Gang Green Team]

yes cause the people in here would know what it takes... LOL TATE... I wish I could shoot you in your face.

[morphius12812003]

we_gotta_believe, on 11 January 2013 - 10:09 AM, said:

The direct transition from NCAA HC to NFL HC hasnt been easy for just about everyone who has attempted it. The only ones I can think of that won it all are Jimmy Johnson and Bill Walsh. Any others that have made the leap in recent years and took a team to the SB?

Harbaugh could be next on that list, but he has to win a couple more playoff games first.

Ok, but what does it TAKE to transition, or did it take for those who were successful?

AceofSpades, on 11 January 2013 - 10:09 AM, said:

The college coach has to be willing to accept the fact that it's not the same game and he has to adapt and adjust what he's done in the past. He's gotta be willing to listen to what other people are trying to tell and be open & receptive to what happens in the NFL. He's gotta understand that some of the things that worked in college won't work in the NFL and teams adjust faster in the NFL than they do in college. The speed of the game is a lot different and he's gotta be willing to ask for help from experienced coaches. He can't come in like he invented the game of football or that he knows it all or like nobody can tell him anything.

Granted, having humility--at least to the degree that they know their own defficencies, and can compensate by being adaptable.

Gang Green Team, on 11 January 2013 - 10:11 AM, said:

yes cause the people in here would know what it takes... LOL TATE... I wish I could shoot you in your face.

Careful, even off-handed humorous death threats are now being monitored by the FBI......(Agent knocks on Gang Green Team's door).

[we_gotta_believe]

morphius12812003, on 11 January 2013 - 10:14 AM, said:

Ok, but what does it TAKE to transition, or did it take for those who were successful?



Granted, having humility--at least to the degree that they know their own defficencies, and can compensate by being adaptable.

In Walsh's case, he picked a great QB who could run his emerging brand of offense, and a built a pretty solid roster of other future hall of famers and great players with draft picks like Lott, Clark, Rice, Craig, etc.

Similar path for Jimmy as he got great value in the Herschel trade and used those picks on Aikman, Emmitt, Irvin, etc.

[Gang Green Team]

morphius12812003, on 11 January 2013 - 10:15 AM, said:

Careful, even off-handed humorous death threats are now being monitored by the FBI......(Agent knocks on Gang Green Team's door).

Shooting TATE in the face is not a death threat, it is a methaphor about how stupid people in this forum are and I wish they would shut the F up and stop the stupidity.  TATE is not a person with a face.  If I was to say I want to shoot you in the face that still would not be a death threat as you do not necessarily die from being shot in the face. But none the less, I do not have the means to carry this out.

[vic92353]

morphius12812003, on 11 January 2013 - 09:04 AM, said:

In your opinion, from your perspective, and from what you have learned, what does it take to succesfully transition as a head coach from College into the NFL?

If you had been in the Military,  it's like giving good guidance and direction to a lieutenant.   This guidance and direction would turn them into a good Commander one day.  That's what they need good experienced veterans of the game to guide them.  

[TravelerVic]

morphius12812003, on 11 January 2013 - 09:04 AM, said:

In your opinion, from your perspective, and from what you have learned, what does it take to succesfully transition as a head coach from College into the NFL?

morphius12812003, on 11 January 2013 - 09:04 AM, said:

In your opinion, from your perspective, and from what you have learned, what does it take to succesfully transition as a head coach from College into the NFL?

That's Easy! Lot's and lot's of dollars.

[ChimpKelly]

morphius12812003, on 11 January 2013 - 10:15 AM, said:

Careful, even off-handed humorous death threats are now being monitored by the FBI......(Agent knocks on Gang Green Team's door).

I thought that was only if they were Obama related? And yes that's a serious question.