Looking at 10 Players Who Would Make Great Head Coaches in the NFL

10 NFL Players That Would Make Great Head Coaches

Over the years, it’s become a popular trend with professional sports when it comes to former players giving head coaching a shot as they look to continue to stay involved with the sport they’re so passionate about. From the NFL to the NBA, we’ve seen plenty of players that turned out to be successful head coaches, but we’ve unfortunately see our fair-share of head coaches struggle with the transition as well.

When it comes to the NFL, it’s exactly the case as there have been plenty of players who try to make the transition to coaching—with some finding success and others finding failure. There are plenty of current players (and some who recently retired) that could be up for a coaching position down the road if they have any interest in staying involved with the game of football.

Obviously, the best coaches in the NFL are going to be the ones that displayed great leadership skills on the football field as well and are capable of voicing their opinions—no matter what the situation may look like. With the start of training camp quickly approaching, we thought it would be fun to take a look at a list of players that could be standing on the sidelines later in life as a coach.

From Peyton Manning to Brian Urlacher, here’s a look at 10 possible NFL players that would make great coaches after everything they’ve accomplished as individual players.

10. Luke Kuechly

The Carolina Panthers knew they had something special in Luke Kuechly when they selected him in the first round of the 2012 NFL Draft and his great leadership skills on defense played a key role in helping him take home Defensive Rookie of the Year honors.

9. Matt Ryan

The fact that Matt Ryan has led the Atlanta Falcons to the playoffs in four of his first five seasons shows how valuable of a leader he really is. With these type of skills, it wouldn't be a surprise if he at least considers head coaching down the road when his playing days are done.

8. Philip Rivers

The San Diego Chargers may have struggled over the last couple of seasons, but when it comes to intensity on the football field--the argument can be made that nobody gets as fired up as Philip Rivers does. If he can manage to use that intensity as a head coach, Rivers could be a great candidate.

7. Robert Griffin III

Not many players can be as effective leaders as rookies, but Robert Griffin III certainly did during his first year with the Washington Redskins. If 2012 is any indication of what to expect, Griffin's leadership skills are only going to get better and better each season.

6. Tony Gonzalez

One of the greatest tight ends to ever play the game, Tony Gonzalez has always been known as one of the greatest leaders as well during his time spent with the Kansas City Chiefs and Atlanta Falcons.

5. Jeff Saturday

Jeff Saturday was praised as one of the top centers in the league throughout his career as he played a key role in the success displayed by the Indianapolis Colts during the Peyton Manning era.

4. Brian Urlacher

One of the best defensive leaders of all time, Brian Urlacher's career with the Chicago Bears was enough to prove he would make just as great of a coach. Even if he did just recently retire, Urlacher deserves to be on this list.

3. Tom Brady

Does this really need an explanation? Just look at the way Tom Brady plays each time he steps on the field for the New England Patriots as his passion and knowledge of the game is enough to make a great head coach.

2. Drew Brees

Not too long ago, Drew Brees single-handedly turned around a New Orleans Saints organization that had been struggling when it came to winning games. One of the greatest leaders in the game today, Brees has earned a high spot on this list and it wouldn't be a surprise if he at least considered coaching down the road.

1. Peyton Manning

Nobody studies the game of football like Peyton Manning of the Denver Broncos and there's a reason why he'll go down as one of the greatest players of all time. Manning has been a strong leader since the first time he set foot on the field as a rookie with the Indianapolis Colts and just imagine the amount of time he would spend studying film as a head coach.