Five retired NFL vets who could jump to coaching opportunities

The trend of hiring former NFL players to coach football teams is picking up steam. 

On the heels of guys like Deion Sanders, Mike Vrabel, Jeff Saturday and now Trent Dilfer, one wonders if there are other clear candidates who could parlay their playing days to sideline interest. 

It's never a slam dunk to make a splash hire like this, but it feels like this will only become more popular in the months and years to come. 

Here are five names that could get a call to lead an NFL or college team in the time to come. 

Michael Strahan 

The Emmy-winning, New York Giants pass rushing great has built a media empire unto himself. Straddling between lucrative gigs with ABC and Fox, Strahan has hosted morning television, Sunday NFL coverage and even a game show. 

However, Strahan feels like the most likely of any former player who could make for a splashy hire for an NFL or college team. He's just too big of a deal to ignore. If a job at his alum, Texas Southern, ever came up, would he be interested? 

Pat McAfee 

The former Colts punter has turned into a media sensation since going behind the mic. In 2021, he signed a four-year deal worth $120 million with FanDuel. He's also become a regular on ESPN's College GameDay and hosts the widely popular Pat McAfee Show. 

However, once he's ascended to the top of the media game, it's very possible he'd take on a new challenge. McAfee's animated personality and self-built brand could be a boon for college recruiting. He'd also likely have the NFL connections to put together an impressive coaching staff. 

Nate Burleson 

The former Detroit Lions receiver and Good Morning Football alum has expanded his broadcast work with various opportunities at CBS. He's become one of the most successful NFL veterans to work at the broadcast level.  

While working as the co-host of CBS Mornings might be too good a gig to leave, Burleson's wide appeal could be a boost to a college program. Plus, like McAfee, he's likely got a wide pool of connections from his playing days. 

Josh McCown

The longtime journeyman quarterback actually interviewed for the Houston Texans head coaching job twice. It shows that the NFL feels that McCown will likely coach among their ranks at some point. 

McCown is only 43 and could engage a locker room with his years of experience. With so much NFL experience in the tank at the game's most important position, he could actually be an inspired offensive-minded hire for a team. 

However, he'd be wise to take an offensive coordinator position somewhere first. 

David Carr 
The former Texans quarterback serves as an analyst for NFL Network and has coached with his brother, Darren Carr, at Bakersfield Christian in California as an offensive coordinator. 

He's the only player on this list with actual coaching experience. It feels like, at the very least, Carr could pull a Dilfer and lead a high school program somewhere. 

If he wants in the college game or in the NFL, working as an assistant could be the most realistic path.