10 College Coaches Who Could Make Jump to NFL Soon

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After Jim Harbaugh's success at the 49ers after leaving Stanford behind, many college coaches have been and will be tempted to answer the NFL's siren's call.

Former Rutgers head coach Greg Schiano is the latest to make the jump to the pros.

While the NFL isn't for everyone (why would Nick Saban give up his deal at Alabama?), it could call some of college football's finest.

Who are they? Read on.

Chris Petersen, Boise State

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You know, it must be frustrating to be Chris Petersen. He seemingly can't win a national championship at Boise State, and a single loss means an appearance in the Las Vegas Bowl while four-loss teams can make it to a BCS Bowl.

Maybe one day he'll get sick of the BCS and go to a place that has a true championship.

I, for one, wouldn't blame him.

Dana Holgorson, West Virginia

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Dana Holgorsen has built West Virginia into one of the more exciting teams in the country after a single year as head coach of the Mountaineers.

NFL teams are going to watching Holgorsen closely I'm sure after his star rose during the Orange Bowl.

Gary Patterson, TCU

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After a Rose Bowl win and getting TCU to where they really belong in the Big 12, Patterson has only a few more things to accomplish before completing his resume. 

His Horned Frogs are in good position to compete for the Big 12 title. Maybe he'll call it good and head off for the NFL if he can pull that off.

Kyle Whittingham, Utah

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Kyle Whittingham has built Utah into a Pac-12 program and has a Sugar Bowl win to his credit. 

And competing with USC year after year may seem less appealing to Whittingham than coaching in the NFL...

Todd Graham, Arizona State

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The former Tulsa/Pitt coach has already shown that he has no qualms about jumping from one job to another at the drop of a hat.

A NFL hat may drop before too long if he can build some success for the Sun Devils.

Brady Hoke, Michigan

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Brady Hoke has already established quite a reputation as a program builder. He's already built Ball State, San Diego State and now Michigan into winning programs.

That's a skill that's appreciated at any level.

Hoke's already an instant hero at Michigan. Maybe after building for the Wolverines for a while he could do some building for the pros.

Art Briles, Baylor

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After producing a top 15 finish and a Heisman Trophy winner, Art Briles may think that following Robert Griffin III to the NFL may not be a bad idea.

Besides, life at Baylor after losing Griffin isn't going to be the easiest.

But Briles has already worked a miracle at Baylor. He can try to work another one. But another good move would be to take a better college job before going to the NFL.

Gene Chizik, Auburn

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After winning a national championship at Auburn, Gene Chizik may be tempted, like many SEC coaches before him, to try his hand at the NFL.

And there's a reason why coaches like Nick Saban and Bobby Petrino decided to come back to college after short stints as NFL coaches.

Chizik's got a sweet deal at Auburn. The NFL can't be much sweeter.

Then again, maybe it can.

Bret Bielema, Wisconsin

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After two straight B1G titles, Bret Bielema may feel the call of greener pastures in the NFL. 

But Wisconsin is a great place to build a national program. Maybe Bielema should at least win a BCS bowl before taking a job at the NFL level.

Still, don't be surprised if Bielema leaves shortly after winning a Rose Bowl or something better.

Chip Kelly, Oregon

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Chip Kelly just wisely decided to wait to jump to the NFL to stay at Oregon. After all, Kelly has it pretty good there. He's won three Pac-12 titles, two Top 5 finishes and a Rose Bowl win to his name.

Why not stop an smell the Roses?

Besides, Chip Kelly can still win a national title at Oregon. Maybe Kelly should take at least one more shot at lifting that crystal football before launching an NFL career.