By: Mike Huesmann
With the surprise and untimely decision that Jeff Hafley will become the defensive coordinator for the Green Bay Packers, BC will be looking for a new head coach. Hafley had a very mixed 4 years in charge of the Eagles. His career record of 22-26 with two bowl appearances was a mixed bag of up and down, inconsistent offense, and flashes of “maybe they’ve figured it out.” His good reputation meant he wasn’t on the hot seat yet but another year or two of the same and he would’ve been, and he likely knew it. This loss could mean Hafley wanted to go back to the NFL, where he coached for 6 seasons, or it could be a sign of the new trend where the head coaches of economically disadvantaged programs bounce for bigger and better jobs, even if it means a reduction in title. There has been a change in recent days. In this revision Jason Candle and Al Golden get removed and we add Paul Chryst, Brian Flores, and Adam Fuller.
Bill O’Brien
Offensive Coordinator, Ohio State
Bill O’Brien took over at Penn State after a much worse scandal and did a fantastic job. He then went to the NFL with Houston where he was good as a coach, poor as a GM. His record as a head coach at both levels is impressive. His reputation took a bit of a hit at Alabama. He spent last year with the Patriots before being hired by Ryan Day and Ohio State recently. Would he leave the Buckeyes before even coaching a game? If the answer is yes, then he’s going to be a contender here.
Al Washington
Defensive Line, Notre Dame
Washington is a BC alumni and coached here for multiple seasons. Right now his name is the one popping up the most for this job. BC will want someone with a background either here or at another academically intense school, Washington has both. He has coached at Michigan, Ohio State, and Notre Dame in recent years. Washington has tutored many players at both DL and LB over his career who have gone on to the NFL. If I was a betting man, right now I’d be hard pressed to bet on someone other than him to get the job.
Jeff Monken
Head Coach, Army
Jeff Monken has shown he can coach and win with less talent, that will likely be the case at Boston College initially. The former Navy and Georgia Southern assistant also spent 4 years as the GSU head coach before going to West Point. Since arriving at Army in 2014 he has went 67-55 while showing us recently that he is capable of shifting offensive philosophies and isn’t just a triple option guy. Monken could be a guy in the mix here.
Paul Chryst
Offensive Analyst, Texas
What Chryst may lack in flair and innovation he makes up for in resume and success. He won’t be the popular name in all corners but his success at Wisconsin was better than you’d expect for someone who was unceremoniously fired mid-season. Chryst is known as a good QB mentor. His time in Wisconsin ended poorly, but up until his last half season he was winning games and producing results. A veteran head coach who knows what he brings to the table is where I see him landing, if he wants back in the game now. He has reportedly turned down other jobs to remain with Sark and the Horns, will this be the job to make him leave?
Adam Fuller
Defensive Coordinator, Florida State
Fuller has been a Mike Norvell assistant since their days at Memphis. Prior to that he had a good run at Marshall and UT-Chattanooga. His defenses have been stellar all around, finding ways to get after the QB, force turnovers, and get teams off the field. He is seen as a guy who is ready to be a head coach and is a solid recruiter. He has toes and roots to New England, which will be seen as a positive here. With the other, more known names on this list, Fuller may have to wait until next offseason for a head job but as of now he’s right in the mix for BC.
Brian Flores
Defensive Coordinator, Minnesota Vikings
Another Boston College alumni makes the list and this one is a former NFL head coach. Flores played here for Tom O’Brien. Flores is one of few coaches at this level who has, surprisingly, never coached college football. An NFL coach since 2008, a return home would mark his first college coaching experience. Longtime Patriots assistant, his NFL head coaching record was roughly .500, though by all accounts the Dolphins were trending upwards before his much publicized falling out with Dolphins ownership. If Flores wants to leave the NFL, and I have my doubts he does, he’ll be a solid candidate here.
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