Rodell Rahmaan has watched plenty of man-on-the-street interviews on social media and is now eager to participate in one. He would love for a stranger with a camera to approach him and ask about the most famous person in his phone.
“I can’t wait,” Rahmaan exclaimed, “to reply that it’s Eddie George.”
The 1995 Heisman Trophy winner is listed in Rahmaan’s contacts due to George’s role as the head coach at Tennessee State. Similarly, players at Norfolk State and Delaware State can relate after their programs recently appointed Michael Vick and DeSean Jackson, respectively, this winter.
These former NFL stars were hired despite limited coaching experience, with Jackson having only an eight-month stint as a high school assistant. Other notable NFL alumni turned college coaches include Deion Sanders, Trent Dilfer, and Terrell Buckley.
While some, like Sanders, have prior coaching experience, others, like George, jumped straight into head coaching roles without much coaching background. This could be attributed to a shifting landscape in college football where celebrity status and financial considerations play a significant role in hiring decisions.
Ultimately, the identity of historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) plays a crucial role in these hires. Schools like Tennessee State, Norfolk State, and Delaware State were established to provide education to Black students when other options were limited.
The hires signal a shift in hiring practices, moving away from traditional coaching paths to more unconventional choices. The impact extends beyond the football field, with increased exposure for universities and potential benefits for the broader community.
Improvements in recruitment, revenue, and program visibility have been observed at schools where former NFL stars have taken over coaching duties, showcasing the potential of these unconventional hires.
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There is a potential for HBCUs to become pipelines for diversity in coaching at higher levels, addressing the underrepresentation of minorities in FBS head coaching roles. While the unconventional hires have sparked some controversy, the success stories of coaches like Eddie George demonstrate the potential of a different approach to coaching hires.
Overall, the unconventional coaching hires from the NFL are reshaping the college football landscape, with schools reaping the benefits of increased exposure and potential success on the field.
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(Top photos of DeSean Jackson and Michael Vick: Eric Hartline / Imagn Images and Sean Gardner / Getty Images)