Does anyone know an example of a successful head coach that was a DC?

[Wally86]

I don't know the answer to this question. Are there any former DC's that come to mind as successful head coaches? Surely there have to be some. offense and defense are very different mindsets. On Defence giving up one big play kills you. On offense making one big play wins. Can a defensive mindset translate to a successful head coach?

 

[Spam]

Nick Saban?

 

[cmjh10]

Bill Belicheck?

 

[cyclonebillski]

Pretty sure the best coach in the nation was a DC right? Saban.

 

[FDWxMan]

Barry Alvarez

 

[isu81]

Bad post-would guess it is 50/50-ish. Bob Stoops is my answer, but there are a lot of them.

 

[CycloneNorth]

Even though he's having a tough year I'd say Bret Bielema.

 

[CycloneNorth]

Pete Carroll

 

[cmjh10]

Were the Harbaughs DC?

 

[Spam]

Gene Chizik, baby!

 

[UNIGuy4Cy]

Look at the top 10 in college football and there is your answer.

 

[CyArob]

Charlie Strong, Frank Beamer

 

[CycloneNorth]

Pretty sure Brian Kelly is a defensive guy also.

 

[deadeyededric]

Usually you don't hire a DC as a HC who was on a staff that got canned.

 

[CyArob]

Bronco Mendenhall

 

[UNIGuy4Cy]

How is Stoops and Beamer doing in today's age of offense?

 

[cmjh10]

How is Stoops and Beamer doing in today's age of offense?

A lot better than most teams

 

[CycloneNorth]

I just did a quick scientific survey and exactly 6 of the past 10 BCS titles have been won with a former defensive coordinator as the head coach.


edit: Forgot Saban was at LSU in 2003.

 

[CyArob]

Pros: Mike Smith, John Harbaugh, Mike Tomlin

 

[CyArob]

How is Stoops and Beamer doing in today's age of offense?

The post says "successful head coach that was a DC". Stoops and Beamer definitely qualify.