Dave Razzano is a former NFL scout and Playmaker Mobile correspondent with more than 22 years of professional scouting experience with the San Francisco 49ers, St. Louis Rams and Arizona Cardinals under NFL coaches including Bill Walsh, George Seifert, Chuck Knox and Dick Vermeil. He's been a part of five Super Bowls with three Super Bowl wins (49ers, 1989, 1990; Rams, 2000).
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Everyone knows the names Urban Meyer, Nick Saban, Steve Spurrier, Bob Stoops and Mack Brown. These coaches have achieved success at the highest level of NCAA football. Several other coaches in the college ranks have star quality and should be on every short list of any major opening, both college and pro. Below is my list, based on first hand observation and knowledge. A big emphasis is placed on peer respect, competence, motivational skill, integrity and family values, which produce not only wins, but a very enjoyable environment to work in. All of these coaches get it, and are people I would love my own sons to play for one day.
1. Bo Pelini – Nebraska - Master motivator and defensive guru puts emphasis on fun. Expect the Huskers to be in contention for a National Title soon. This very well could be the TOP football coach in the country at any level.
2. Jim Harbaugh – Stanford - Might not be a better play caller in the game at any level. I recommended Harbaugh to my former employer, the Arizona Cardinals, three years ago after Dennis Green was fired. Relates to players as well as anyone.
3. Jim Grobe – Wake Forest – Has always been one of the most impressive coaches in the country. Just ask any scout who has come in contact with him. A good guy who is very disciplined and organized. Does more with what he has than any coach in the college ranks today.
4. Chris Petersen – Boise State – Was on my personal short list 10 years ago. Now everyone can see why. 49-4 record says it all. This is a true offensive genius that no one has figured out how to stop. Top shelf person as well.
5. Randy Edsall – Connecticut – This guy was cut out to be a coach. Has done a phenomenal job at UConn. Has a “winners” look about him. Just an impressive guy all around. Will be a success anywhere he goes.
6. Mike Riley – Oregon State – Don’t expect the Beavers to fall from Pac 10 contention any time soon. Riley is not only a great guy but extremely trustworthy as well. What high school kid wouldn’t want to play for a man like this!
7. Al Golden – Temple – He is the ultimate corporate CEO type. Very smart and organized down to the fine details. Has worked magic in a short time at Temple which is a monumental task! This should be the next Penn State coach.
8. Larry Kehres – Mt. Union – Have always maintained that some of the country’s best football coaches are at small schools. This guy is 289-22-3 in 25 years at this Ohio dynasty. Imagine what he could do at Michigan or Ohio State. His three “keys’ have been discipline, organization and continuity. This is an impressive human being!
9. Steve Sarkisian – Washington – This guy is a class act and one of the most innovative minds in the game. Don’t let his “nice guy” demeanor fool you. He is a winner and the perfect fit to bring the Huskies back to National prominence. Any high school QB should want to learn from this ex BYU signal caller.
10. Bronco Mendenhall – BYU – An outstanding choice by Athletic Director Tom Holmoe, Mendenhall has paid immediate dividends in bringing the Cougars back to prominence. Highly effective communicator.
11. Mark Dantonio – Michigan State – This guy looks, talks and sounds like a coach. No surprise that the Spartans are suddenly an upper echelon team in the competitive Big 10. This man has loads of integrity and grit.
12. Gene Chizik – Auburn – Some rumblings a couple years ago when the Tigers hired defensive whiz Chizik. Not now. Another coach I have always had on my list of potential outstanding leaders. Now Auburn needs to figure out a way to keep him for the long haul.
13. Kevin Sumlin – Houston – This was one of Bob Stoop’s most impressive assistants at Oklahoma and now everyone can see why. Not only is he a good, solid person, Sumlin is a bright offensive mind with a winning “aura” about him.
14. Pat Fitzgerald – Northwestern – This former wildcat linebacker was the perfect choice to take over at his alma mater. He is an outstanding leader with a passion for the game. Anyone would love to play for this man.
15. Derek Dooley – Tennessee- Apples don’t fall far from the tree, so expect the energetic Dooley to take up where his legendary dad “Vince” left off and soon have the Volunteers in the upper Tier of the SEC. This was a perfect match.
16. Brady Hoke – San Diego State – Most thought the personable Hoke would be in line for a Big 10 gig after the job he did resurrecting Ball State. An outstanding person and recruiter, it is easy to see how one can be intrigued by the weather and talent base in Southern California.
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