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College Football: 10 assistants who will become head coaches in 2021

By Dante Pryor

NORMAN, OK - SEPTEMBER 28: Defensive coordinator Alex Grinch observers warm ups before the game against the Texas Tech Red Raiders at Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium on September 28, 2019 in Norman, Oklahoma. The Sooners defeated the Red Raiders 55-16. (Photo by Brett Deering/Getty Images)
NORMAN, OK - SEPTEMBER 28: Defensive coordinator Alex Grinch observers warm ups before the game against the Texas Tech Red Raiders at Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium on September 28, 2019 in Norman, Oklahoma. The Sooners defeated the Red Raiders 55-16. (Photo by Brett Deering/Getty Images) /
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LUBBOCK, TX – NOVEMBER 08: Quarterback Graham Harrell #6 of the Texas Tech Red Raiders during play against the Oklahoma State Cowboys at Jones AT&T Stadium on November 8, 2008 in Lubbock, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
LUBBOCK, TX – NOVEMBER 08: Quarterback Graham Harrell #6 of the Texas Tech Red Raiders during play against the Oklahoma State Cowboys at Jones AT&T Stadium on November 8, 2008 in Lubbock, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) /

7. Graham Harrell, USC (OC)

The offense is the name of the game in college football these days. University heads are looking for coaches who can work with quarterbacks and light up the scoreboards. Graham Harrell does both very well. Harrell, a disciple of Mike Leach and the air-raid offense, began his relationship to Leach while playing for the current Mississippi State head coach in Lubbock at Texas Tech.

After his playing days were over, Harrell followed Leach to Pullman and Washington State. He began as an offensive analyst then coached the outside receivers. Harrell’s first opportunity as a coordinator came while at the University of North Texas where he served as offensive coordinator.

Once considered one of the worst Group of Five programs in the country, Harrell and the Air Raid helped turn around the Mean Green. With quarterback Mason Fine, they set and broke multiple school records.

What Harrell did while at North Texas caught the attention of Clay Helton and the USC Trojans. Last season, unlikely starter freshman Kedon Slovis had an unbelievable season throwing for over 3,500 yards and 30 touchdowns. Slovis has a chance for an even bigger season this year.

If the Trojans’ offense lights up the scoreboard in Los Angeles this fall, Harrell could bid farewell to USC for a head coaching position.

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