Ray Lewis
Miami
No one will ever question the leadership and motivational abilities that Ray Lewis possesses. During Lewis’s time in Baltimore, he created the culture for the entire organization that still resonates to this day.
If anything will ever match his passion for Baltimore Ravens, it is his ties to Miami.
While Miami has one of the most passionate Hurricanes trying to resurrect the program in Mario Cristobal, Lewis would bring the same equal zeal and passion to Coral Gables.
Peyton Manning
Tennessee
If there is anything that could upset “Rocky Top” at Tennessee it would be “OMAHA!” if Peyton Manning ever were to become the Volunteers’ head coach.
While Manning’s passion is to eventually become an owner of an NFL franchise, his is one of the most brilliant football minds to ever put on pads.
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His trait of always wanting to learn, study, and strategize, combined with his charisma, would make him a great recruiter. Those key traits usually yield success.
Pat McAfee
West Virginia
Let’s be honest – Neal Brown doesn’t have a clue what planet he is on. If anything, Brown exuded at Big XII Media Days gives us any sign it will be a very long season for the Mountaineers.
With that being said, why not Pat McAfee?
The former Mountaineer punter would easily galvanize the Mountain State, and there would be no lack of motivation for the Mountaineers.
Recruiting wouldn’t be much of an issue as McAfee is one of the most visible personalities, much like Coach Prime in Colorado, he will have no shortage of talent wanting to join him at WVU.
JJ Watt
Wisconsin
Watt is a mountain of a man at 6’5″ nearly 300 pounds. He is the exact template of the strength characterized by his alma mater Wisconsin that would fit the program so well.
While the Badgers currently have a great one in Luke Fickell, can you imagine Watt galvanizing the state and region’s best linemen going to Wisconsin?
Watt’s charisma and ability to get buy-in from the community would give him a great foundation to build off.
The question would the perimeter players be ready for the intense strength workouts that Watt is famous for?
Running backs would salivate at the opportunity to run behind a JJ Watt-coached offensive line, they wouldn’t tire and just oppose its will physically on the opposition.
Tim Tebow
Florida
A generation ago, Florida called for help for its Superman of a previous generation, former Heisman Trophy winner Steve Spurrier to come home and fix the program.
Spurrier not only fixed the program but made it the standard of the SEC.
Florida is in a similar situation today, and while former Heisman Trophy winner Tim Tebow lacks the coaching resume Spurrier possessed, it might be interesting to see Tebow fix his program.
In Urban Meyer’s book, “Above the Line,” Meyer had many superlatives about Tebow’s leadership and willingness to build a championship culture. Tebow puts effort into everything he does, and while polarizing, he is seen by many as college football’s greatest quarterback.
He would attract top talent and create a culture that Florida desperately needs. But the only question is whether he has the ability with the X’s and O’s necessary to succeed.
