The times of analyst armies that includes names like Steve Sarkisian and Billy Napier that Nick Saban made well-known at Alabama is likely to be on the downturn, however there are nonetheless a number of distinguished names working in behind-the-scenes roles in faculty soccer.
Beginning final yr, the NCAA allowed off-field analysts to take a extra hands-on position in teaching; there may be loads of incentive for former head coaches to tackle an analyst position as they weigh their subsequent profession steps. For some, it is a good reprieve from the stress of working a program. For others, it is a approach to keep concerned in faculty soccer via the backstretch of their teaching careers. And for the packages it is a (usually low cost) approach to get an skilled voice within the room that may assist from every little thing from technique to growth to broader assist in tips on how to lead a program.
With that in thoughts, here is 10 distinguished former NFL or faculty coaches who’re slated to spend the 2025 season in an off-field analyst position.
Rob Chudzinski, Boston Faculty senior offensive analyst
The previous Cleveland Browns coach is now engaged on Invoice O’Brien’s employees at Boston Faculty. After a lone season because the Browns’ chief in 2013, Chudzinski additionally labored for the Indianapolis Colts earlier than making the transition to school soccer at Boston Faculty, first for earlier coach Jeff Hafley earlier than staying on with O’Brien.
Gary Gibbs, Oklahoma State defensive analyst
Youthful followers could not keep in mind Gibbs however his position at Oklahoma State is especially fascinating given his earlier stint as in-state rival Oklahoma’s head coach within the early Nineteen Nineties. Gibbs went 44-23-2 in six seasons with the Sooners, together with a Gator Bowl win. After Oklahoma, Gibbs had distinguished assistant roles like defensive coordinator for Georgia, LSU and the New Orleans Saints. He is been with Mike Gundy as a defensive analyst since 2018.
Mike Houston, Clemson defensive intern
Houston is the latest member of the behind-the-scenes ranks, agreeing to take a defensive intern position on Dabo Swinney’s Clemson employees earlier this month. Earlier than Clemson, Houston spent six seasons guiding East Carolina, ending with a 27-38 document after getting fired seven video games into the 2024 season. He has additionally coached at James Madison and The Citadel.
Joe Choose, Ole Miss senior analyst
Maybe essentially the most distinguished identify on this record, Choose is a former New York Giants head coach. The long-time NFL coach and Mississippi State graduate had a number of stints on Invoice Belichick’s New England Patriots employees earlier than becoming a member of Lane Kiffin in Oxford final yr. Choose was within the combine for the UMass head teaching job this previous offseason, however as a substitute opted to return to Ole Miss.
Mike MacIntyre, Mississippi State defensive analyst
A brand new addition to the analyst ranks, the previous Colorado and Florida Worldwide head coach just lately joined Jeff Lebby’s employees in Starkville. The well-regarded defensive thoughts has 12 years of head teaching expertise, together with 4 seasons with FIU earlier than his dismissal in December.
Trent Miles, Notre Dame senior offensive analyst
The Indiana native is again in his house state as a senior offensive analyst for Marcus Freeman. Miles had beforehand been an assistant at Notre Dame below Tyrone Willingham earlier than happening to guide the Indiana State and Georgia State packages. Miles went 9-38 in 4 seasons at Georgia State as this system made the difficult transition to the FBS stage.
Will Muschamp, Georgia defensive analyst
The previous Florida and South Carolina head coach is again in an analyst position on Kirby Good’s employees. After he was fired at South Carolina in 2020, Muschamp took an analyst job on his former teammate Good’s employees however was thrust into an on-field particular groups coordinator position after Scott Cochran needed to take a depart of absence. He spent two years as co-defensive coordinator, serving to Georgia win nationwide championships in each these seasons, earlier than shifting again to an off-field analyst position in 2024. Muschamp has a 56-51 document in 9 seasons as a head coach with the spotlight coming in 2012 with a Florida group that completed ranked within the prime 10.
Paul Rhoads, Mississippi State defensive analyst
Alongside Mike MacIntye, Rhoads helps give Mississippi State essentially the most defensive analyst firepower within the nation. The previous Iowa State head coach is one other re-creation for Jeff Lebby’s off-field employees. Past Iowa State, Rhoads has defensive coordinator expertise at Auburn, Arkansas, Arizona and Pittsburgh.
Nick Rolovich, Cal senior offensive assistant
Rolovich makes his return to school soccer in an off-field position on Justin Wilcox’s Cal employees. The previous Washington State coach had been out of school soccer since 2021 when he and different members of his employees had been fired for failing to adjust to a COVID-19 vaccine mandate for state workers. Together with a stint at Hawaii’s, Rolovich has a 33-33 document as a head coach.
Rick Stockstill, Florida State offensive analyst
The long-time offensive coach is again at his alma mater below Mike Norvell. The previous FSU quarterback below Bobby Bowden was inducted into the varsity’s athletic corridor of fame in 2019. Stockstill spent 18 seasons main Center Tennessee State, taking the Blue Raiders to 10 bowl video games and successful 113 video games.
