With NFL free agency in full swing, we decided to take a look at who the top college coaches are who are currently not attached to a team. As I like to refer to them, here's a list of "college coaching free agents."
For the sake of clarity and brevity, I stuck with college guys with head coach or coordinating experience and who have only been out of the game for a year or two.
Ed Orgeron
Latest stop: Interim head coach at USC (2013)
Orgeron led USC to an impressive 6-2 finish after Lane Kiffin was let go after a slow 3-2 start. Those type of results during an interim stint usually lead to a permanent head coaching gig of some sort, but after resigning at USC following Steve Sarkisian accepting the job, coach O just didn't find the right fit in the off season. His ability to motivate and recruit with the best of them won't keep him out of coaching for long.
Al Borges
Latest stop: Michigan offensive coordinator (2013
Borges won a national title with Auburn under Tommy Tuberville, but couldn't get things rolling after his first season at Michigan. Still highly regarded as a great pro-style offensive mind, I don't see him being out of the game for long.
Clancy Pendergast
Latest Stop: USC defensive coordinator (2013)
Pendergast took over a USC defense that was abysmal under Monte Kiffin in 2012. While working under three different head coaches (Lane Kiffin, Ed Orgeron, and Clay Helton) during an adversity riddled 2013 season, Pendergast was able to lead a defense that finished the season ranked 16th in scoring defense.
Gene Chizik
Latest stop: Auburn (2012)
Chizik led Auburn to a BCS National Title in 2081, but that was followed by an 8-5 finish in 2011, and a 3-9 season in 2012 which ultimately led the Auburn administration to look in a different direction. Anytime you've got a crystal ball next to your name, you've got considerable value to the right program, but I don't see Chizik coming back until he finds the right opportunity.
Jim Grobe
Latest stop: Wake Forest (2013)
Grobe is one of the classiest coaches in the business, and always did things with integrity. He led Wake to an 11 win season and ACC title in 2006, and could not have possibly left Wake on better terms with the administration. His name was tossed around for a few jobs this offseason, but at 62 years old, Grobe's likely to wait for the perfect fit before jumping back in the saddle.
Mack Brown
Latest stop: Texas (2013)
Mack says that he still has the passion to coach, but much like Grobe, is in the twilight of his coaching days. Only time will tell if the right opportunity exists for him to get back into coaching for a few years. One thing is certain, he's the most decorated veteran on this "free agent" list.
Don Treadwell
Last stop: Miami of Ohio (2013)
Treadwell's last season at Miami started off 0-5 before being let go, and he never reached more than 4 wins in his three seasons at the school. However, Treadwell had a excellent run as Michigan State's offensive coordinator, and filled in admirably during Mark Dantonio's health issues during the 2010 campaign. His leadership helped bring a share of the Big Ten title to East Lansing that season. While he'll likely have to go the coordinator route before becoming a head coach again, Treadwell has proven he's more than capable in that role and will likely get another shot at a head coaching gig before hanging up the whistle.
Ron English
Last stop: Eastern Michigan (2013)
So Ron English didn't see the type of success that he wanted to at Eastern Michigan, but name a head coach that has? English made a name for himself as a defensive coordinator during his time at Michigan and Louisville, and it won't be long before a head coach is beating down his door to get him back on the sidelines to call the shots for a defense.
Greg Schiano
Last stop: Tampa Bay Bucs (2013)
Okay, so I'm bending the rules a little bit here, but Schiano is only a few years removed from the world of college football, and went 5-1 in bowl trips at Rutgers, including bowl trips in six of his last seven years with the program. With an NFL team as the last stop on his resume, he'll likely be a bit picky about jumping back into the college game.
Rick Neuheisel
Last stop: UCLA (2011)
Also worth mentioning: Major Applewhite (Texas OC 2013),