The NCAA 10: Top Coaches Who Could Play

The old saying goes, “those who can’t do, teach.” 

Is that true when it comes to college football coaches?

I was surprised to learn that of the 119 Division I (or FBS, if you'd rather) head coaches there are only six who never played college football.

They are: David Cutcliffe (Duke), Paul Johnson (Georgia Tech), Mark Mangino (Kansas), Mike Leach (Texas Tech), Charlie Weis (Notre Dame) and George O’Leary (Central Florida).  Although, if you give him enough time I think O’Leary might be able to come up with a little playing experience for the old resume, if needed.

It makes sense that there would be a fair number who either never played, or at best road the pine.  However, what I found was that there were also plenty who could play and who had some stellar college (and a few NFL) careers.  How they rank (as collegiate players) is as follows:

10. Mike Gundy, QB, Oklahoma State (Head Coach: Oklahoma State)

Gundy was a 4-year starter for the Cowboys and in 1988 (back when he was just 21, and not quite a “man”)

You're currently logged into Facebook

Do you want to share your Bleacher Report activity on Facebook?