25 former college football players destined to be future head coaches

2. Ed Reed, former Miami safety

One of the primary reasons Miami hired NFL Hall of Famer Ed Reed at Miami was to bring back the swagger when Miami was known as “The U.” Behind the swagger of that era of Miami football was a culture of competition and doing what was best for the team.

Many players from that era of Hurricane football would say the toughest competition they faced wasn’t their opponent on Saturday afternoon but in practice. What those players understood is tough practices made them better.

If practice could be competitive, then Saturday would take care of itself. This is why Reed was hired as chief of staff. Also, like many players from that era of Miami football, Reed is a master motivator. Reed is an alpha that his teammates in Miami at Baltimore would rally around.

Both Reed and Lewis were responsible for making sure the defense was in the correct formation on the field. As the deep safety, Reed was responsible for calling the correct coverage. In addition to having instincts for the game, Reed’s football IQ is off the charts. That is the knowledge he could pass to younger players.

Maybe being the chief of staff could bring back the desire to coach again.