College Football: Coaches of the Future—Sun Belt, FCS, and NFL
One of the most interesting things for diehard college coaching fans to discuss is who is next in line for a BCS job. For the next couple of weeks, CGB will be discussing some future BCS head coaching candidates who have yet to receive a shot.
Today we will start with the Sun Belt Conference, the Football Championship Subdivision, and the NFL.
bleacherreport.com
6/19/08
Sun Belt
The Sun Belt Conference does not have any surefire BCS coaching candidates, but there are a couple of prospects who, if they develop, could end up coaching at a major program.
Todd Dodge – North Texas
The first among these is Dodge, who just completed his first year at the University of North Texas. While he was not successful this season, you cannot ignore his numbers at Southlake Carroll High School in Texas. Beyond the raw number of victories he put together, he was also known for directing a record-setting offense.
If he is able to properly tweak his coaching staff and get his offense rolling in Denton, he will be a hot commodity in the future. Points breed excitement, and excitement breeds attendance. If he can win at the same time, Dodge will have a Big 12 job sooner rather than later.
Mario Cristobal – Florida International
Another, more speculative, coaching candidate is Cristobal. Unfortunately, the case for him may have been a stronger one before he actually coached the Golden Panthers. He finished 1-11, and in a season where other “weak sister” Florida schools such as USF and UCF had great success, Cristobal’s ineptitude was particularly glaring.
However, Cristobal is a young and hungry coach. If he can figure out how to manage a staff and win some games, his Florida connections should be very attractive to a lower tier SEC or ACC school. Ironically, his one win this season came against…Todd Dodge.
Rick Stockstill – Middle Tennessee State
One coach who is not as young as Dodge or Cristobal but caused some rumblings in coaching discussions during the offseason is Stockstill. Stockstill is a long-time assistant, and a respected one. If he can put together a breakout season, he may use that momentum to find an SEC head coaching decision.
