Fansided

25 former college football players destined to be future head coaches

By Dante Pryor

Peyton Manning #18 of the Denver Broncos looks on during the game between the Tennessee Volunteers and the Alabama Crimson Tide at Bryant-Denny Stadium on October 24, 2015 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
Peyton Manning #18 of the Denver Broncos looks on during the game between the Tennessee Volunteers and the Alabama Crimson Tide at Bryant-Denny Stadium on October 24, 2015 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /
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Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /

13. Ryan Fitzpatrick, former quarterback Harvard

If there is any criterion that Ryan Fitzpatrick fills to be a head coach someday, it is the fact that he is the ultimate Journeyman quarterback. The former Harvard graduate has not only played for eight different teams, but he has also started at least one game for every one of those teams.

In addition to being well-traveled, Fitzpatrick is also one of the smartest quarterbacks to ever play the game. Fitzpatrick is one of only three Ivy League quarterbacks to play in the NFL joining Sid Luckman and Jeff Kemp.

It is not just Fitzpatrick’s Harvard education that makes him so smart. The 16-year veteran also scored a 49 on the famed (or infamous) Wonderlic test in just nine minutes during the 2005 NFL Draft combine. It was alleged Fitzpatrick scored a 50, but he’s since put that rumor to bed.

A combination of a cerebral approach to playing quarterback and being well-traveled are ingredients for coaching success. Fitzpatrick has had to learn a lot of different playbooks and play for a lot of different leadership styles.

Those experiences alone could help shape a coaching and leadership philosophy of a championship-winning coach. If nothing else, Fitzmagic would be a great introductory and post-game press conference.

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