ESPN Analyst Ryan Clark Thinking About College Football Coaching Job

Ryan Clark played more than 10 years in the NFL, winning a Super Bowl title with the Pittsburgh Steelers during the 2009 season. After his playing career, he's become one of the most prominent NFL analysts on television as well as a top podcast host.

Throughout his career, Clark has proven that he can do just about anything, and now he's apparently considering another line of work.

"I wonder if I could get hired to coach a Power 4 without any coaching experience? I’d put together one hell of a staff and would recruit my butt off though," Clark said on social media on Wednesday night.

"Let me call some folks. Might be time. Maybe go the Andrew Luck route, & GM."

Some fans offered encouragement, explaining that Clark's experience as a player would likely translate well into coaching, despite no formal coaching expertise.

"Your NFL playing experience IMO is relevant experience. You’ve remained close to the game. I dig it. Not enough coaches with significant playing experience anymore. Lots of analyst types," said one fan.

Other fans were cautious and less optimistic, like another commenter who said "Why not, it worked for you when you got hired by ESPN with no experience in broadcasting or being on tv. Go for it. Star athletes typically get privilege."

A move right into Power 4 football would probably be a bit much for Clark with no prior experience, but he could choose to take the Deion Sanders route.

Sanders coached at the FCS level with Jackson State for three seasons before heading to Colorado. After a first season of controversy and less-than-ideal results, Sanders has turned Colorado into a destination for top talent.

The Buffaloes could have the Heisman trophy winner and the top two picks in next year's NFL Draft, and they've also won nine games this season to become bowl eligible once again.

As Clark mentioned, he could take more of a GM role at a Power 4 school. The LSU Tigers would be a great place to start, and they would likely welcome one of their own returning to the program to help it cultivate more talent.

We'll see if Clark makes his way to the college football coaching ranks, but for now he's still very successful in the areas he currently works in.