There isn't some magic formula for producing a successful NFL head coach. Players are a different animal, with big-time Power 5 programs like Alabama, Clemson and Ohio State consistently feeding NFL rosters.
MORE: NFL Mock Draft 1.0
Heading into the 2017 NFL season, there are three colleges with two active NFL head coaches. Can you guess them?
Alright, we know this would take forever so we will help you out. [divider]
William & Mary
Mike Tomlin – Pittsburgh Steelers
Sean McDermott – Buffalo Bills
The William and Mary football team takes the field ahead of a 2016 game. (William and Mary Athletics).
You heard that right. The small, public university in Virginia is the alma mater to Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin AND new Buffalo Bills head coach Sean McDermott. Tomlin was a star receiver for the Tribe from 1990-1994, recording 101 career receptions for 2,054 yards and 20 touchdowns. As a senior, the now Steelers front man earned all-conference honors.
McDermott came to William and Mary as a walk-on in 1993 and left in 1997 as a starter and captain. He too, earned all-conference honors during his senior campaign. The Tribe may compete in the FCS — but they are clearly doing something right in breeding some of the best minds in the NFL.
MORE: Which NFL Positions Lead To Higher Success For Undrafted Players?[divider]
Idaho State
Marvin Lewis – Cincinnati Bengals
Dirk Koetter – Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Idaho State is another FCS program with two NFL head coaches as alumni. Cincinnati Bengals front man Marvin Lewis and Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Dirk Koetter both spent their college years in Pocatello (the town where Idaho State resides). Lewis earned all-conference honors three out of his four years playing linebacker at Idaho State and went on to join the staff as a graduate assistant.
Koetter — a native of Pocatello — was a backup quarterback at Idaho State on the same team with Lewis. As a senior, Koetter helped guide the Bengals to a Division 1-AA national title. [divider]
University of the Pacific
Pete Carroll – Seattle Seahawks
Hue Jackson – Cleveland Browns
Both Pete Carroll and Hue Jackson played for the University of Pacific football team during their collegiate careers. (Pacific Athletics).
I'm not going to lie, I had never heard of the University of the Pacific before writing this piece. Apparently it's another one of those small colleges with a knack for producing NFL head coaches. Both Hue Jackson (Cleveland Browns) and Pete Carroll (Seattle Seahawks) spent their collegiate playing days at the small private school in California.
Jackson was a star quarterback for the FCS program, throwing for 2,544 yards and 19 touchdowns during his two years as a starter from 1985-1986.
Carroll was a safety for the University of the Pacific, earning all-conference honors in 1971 and 1972. [divider]
Miami of Ohio
John Harbaugh – Baltimore Ravens
Sean McVay – LA Rams
Miami of Ohio commemorated this statue of John Harbaugh in 2014 (muredhawks.com).
When you think of Miami of Ohio and the NFL, Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger usually comes to mind. Surprisingly, this is the only FBS program responsible for producing two NFL head coaches: John Harbaugh of the Ravens and Sean McVay of the Rams.
Harbaugh played defensive back for the RedHawks and even has a statue outside of their stadium. Pretty impressive. McVay, the new front man for the Los Angeles Rams and youngest head coach in NFL history, was a standout wide receiver at Miami of Ohio. You have to check out his player profile. It's pure gold.
