25 former college football players destined to be future head coaches

25. Jalen Hurts, former Alabama and Oklahoma quarterback

If current Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts coaches, he’d be joining the family business. Hurts’ father, Averion, Sr., coached the future Alabama star during his high school years. Hurts’ brother, Averion, Jr., is also a coach. The senior Hurts coached both Jalen and his older brother at Channelview High School in Channelview, Texas.

While at Alabama, Hurts displayed natural leadership. In 2016, Hurts led the Crimson Tide to a National Title. As a sophomore, Hurts led the Crimson Tide back to the championship game. Hurts was benched at halftime for freshman Tua Tagovaoila. Hurts would not start again. As a backup, Hurts relieved Tagovaolia against Georgia, leading them to victory and the SEC championship.

After the 2018 season, Hurts transferred to Oklahoma as a graduate (Hurts received his BA in Communications in December 2018). While at Oklahoma, Hurts led the Sooners to the Big 12 title and an appearance in the College Football playoff.

Hurts impressed scouts with an in-depth knowledge of offensive football. Like many coaches’ kids, film study was a lesson learned young. Also, Hurts had three offensive coordinators in four years while in school. Lane Kiffin, Brian Daboll, and Lincoln Riley all coached Hurts while in school. It was the extensive knowledge of these offenses and defensive tendencies that impressed scouts.

Hurts has the pedigree and the knowledge to be a head coach someday.