College Football: 5 head coaches ready to make NFL leap

As the NFL evolves into a spread-offense system, college football coaches are in high demand for head coaching jobs. Who will be next to make the move?

The times used to be much different in the gap from college to NFL. Pro teams had tough systems that were much more elaborate and complex. It took a specific type of coach to lead an NFL team. At the time, a lot of college program ran offensive systems that were thought of as gimmicks. They were entertaining and could get you to a bowl game, but those players (and their coaches) weren’t necessarily fit for the physical style of NFL football.

As the rules changed, it became smarter to run spread offenses. The best young quarterbacks are dynamic players who can throw and scramble. Some of the best receivers are smaller guys who are more agile and elusive than big and strong. The game has just evolved, and coaches have evolved with it.

Now, those college systems that were thought of to be gimmicks are appearing as if they are the future of the NFL. Offensive minds that developed the moving pocket and run-pass options are in high demand for the next jobs in the Pros. If teams are going to draft these small receivers and mobile quarterbacks, they might as well hire the head coaches that helped develop them in their offense.

There are only 32 head coaching positions in the NFL, but teams are still desperate to find the next offensive genius. That’s the only way I can explain why the Arizona Cardinals would sign Kliff Kingsbury, an offensive mind with a losing record at Texas Tech.

When the next coaching carousel cycle happens, who is ready to go to the NFL? Here’s five names to keep an eye on.