The recent trend of big time College Football teams searching out recycled NFL coaches has progressed enough for me to evaluate the trend. Sure Pete Carrol has resurrected USC and returned it to its former glory. Although last weeks home loss to Stanford was embarrassing and the Reggie Bush pay scandal lingers. Lets look at Nebraska's hiring of Bill Callahan and Pitts choice of Dave Wannstadt.Both had good careers as NFL assistant coaches though little success as head coaches.They have now been at their college positions as head men for long enough to take a look at how they are doing. Remember Nebraska was good, though not Tom Osbourne good prior to Callahan getting the job. Are they any better off now? I don't think so. I like the old Nebraska tough defense great running game fueled by huge corn-fed offensive linemen. As for Pitt, did you see Navy beat them in OT the other night?. What was Wanstadt doing throwing the ball twice in the 2nd OT cementing the loss. How long can you give Wanstadt to bring Pitt back to its Tony Dorsett/Dan Marino hey day. How about getting them to at least one of the 50 some bowl games. Butch Davis is back now at N.C. Spurrier the old ball coach is back doing well at S.C. after his Redskins debacle. Sabin bounced back to 'bama. But the difference is this last group all won at the college level prior to trying the pros. As for Callahan and Wannstadt Nebraska and Pitt they may be looking again soon. If they don't make huge strides quickly though the next time maybe they will get proven college head coaches. Or if they do somehow turn their programs around it won't be long before Norv Turner arrives at a campus near you. How about Charlie Weiss at ND and their woeful season. He also does little to support this trend but he seems to be getting more slack for some reason. Would Ty Willingham have survived this start at ND? No but at least he got another job as he had proven he could be a successful head coach at Stanford. What will be the next trend or has it already started with Spurrier, Sabin and Davis? I hear Dick Vermiel is still available what do you think a triumphant return to UCLA tears in his eyes leading the Bruins to another Rose bowl just a thought. Thats all for today!
www.gtltsports.com