The NFL is looked at as the holy grail, especially for coaches.
Long hours are put in by coaches at the college level, many of whom have dreams about one day serving on an NFL staff and working their way up.
Then, once that goal is achieved, it’s about proving your worth at the highest level and elevating the level of the position group, side of the ball, or the team.
However, there are certainly other cases where coaches who are in the NFL look to head back to school, for a prominent opportunity that might help build or rehabilitate a legacy.
As we are just about halfway through the 2021 NFL season, we’ll take a look at three NFL coaches who might look to work in the college ranks next year.
1. Urban Meyer
It’s been a turbulent start to Urban Meyer’s NFL head coaching career.
The Jacksonville Jaguars have gotten off to a rough beginning on the field, and Meyer has been at the center of a few head-scratching situations.
While it seemed like an interesting idea by the Jaguars to bring in one of the most successful college coaches of all time, adjusting to the NFL ranks has not seemed to go all that smoothly for the former Gators and Buckeyes head man.
Whether he’s forced into the decision remains to be seen(if the Jaguars decide to part ways), but Meyer might see the writing on the wall.
It was a worthwhile gamble for him to take his talents to the NFL, but he might be better served leading younger players onto the field on campus on Saturdays.
2. Eric Bienemy
It’s an annual ritual; we head into late December, early January, and NFL insiders are putting together their list of hot head-coaching candidates to fill vacancies around the league.
For the past several years, Kansas City Chiefs offensive coordinator Eric Bienemy is mentioned prominently as a prime option to lead a team.
But for whatever reason, that momentum surrounding his candidacy has not translated into a head coaching job in the NFL.
If Bienemy’s goals are to become a head man in the league, he would probably be best served staying put as Andy Reid’s right-hand man.
But if his patience is wearing thin at the professional level, there are likely no shortage of college programs who would love to hire such an accomplished offensive mind.
His success would be a huge selling point for any university looking to change their culture.
League sources believe Chiefs' OC Eric Bieniemy will emerge as a head-coaching candidate for USC. Bieniemy is from Southern California and has told confidantes in the past, that USC is one of the only college jobs that might interest him.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 14, 2021
3. Kellen Moore
While not quite as established or successful as Bienemy, Dallas Cowboys offensive coordinator Kellen Moore has had his stock increase immensely over the last few years.
He’s viewed as an up and coming coach, and was deemed valuable enough to stick on Mike McCarthy’s staff after the franchise parted ways with Jason Garrett.
He’s only 33 years old, and some NFL franchise could tab him as the next Sean McVay.
Moore could also bring his creative offensive strategy, and prolific college career accomplishments(he threw for 142 touchdowns and 28 interceptions at Boise State) to the table.
If the Cowboys are able to continue their hot start deep into the season, Moore’s name could gain some steam as a possible college coaching option.
NEXT: The Houston Texans Appear To Be Tanking In 2021Got my @BroncoSportsFB gear on and I’m ready to watch tonight’s @Cactus_Bowl! #GoBroncos S/O to @NFLPlayersInc & @Fanatics pic.twitter.com/C969QjZN8B
— Kellen Moore (@KellenMoore_11) December 27, 2016