How Do We Know Coach-In-Waiting Is The Best Solution

We all know that Indianapolis coach Tony Dungy has retired. We also know that the Colts has a coach in waiting to take over as head coach. We also know several other NFL teams and College teams have coaches in waiting. But does this system really work?

Jim Caldwell was named the head coach in waiting for the Colts last January. So when the day Tony Dungy called it quits, the Colts could shuffle one of their own coaches to the head coaching position.

Looking though at Caldwell's previous record as a head coach, is he really the best choice? Caldwell was the Wake Forest head coach from 1993-2000. His record during that time was 26-63. Does that sound like a person who could take over for a hall of fame coach.

Granted he coached at Wake Forest and there are several disadvantages coaching there, but Jim Grobe has found success there. But he has no head coaching record in the NFL and has never been an interim head coach.

Indianapolis should have waited to name their next head coach. Their defensive coordinator Ron Meeks is a hot commodity for a head coaching position right now. He could have been a better choice.

Also the Seattle Seahawks named a coach in waiting to replace outgoing coach Mike Holmgren. Jim Mora Jr. was named the coach in waiting last February. He was the head coach with the Atlanta Falcons from 2004-2006 and he went 26-22 in his time there. He also lead the Falcons to the NFC championship game where they lost to the Philadelphia Eagles.

After he was let go by the Falcons, Mora started coaching with the Seahawks.

While Mora had a nice run with the Falcons, he is still a re-tread. He had his chance with the Falcons and did a nice job. He is though, not worthy of being promoted to a head coach.

The coach in waiting is not limited to the NFL. Several colleges have named head coaches in waiting. Oregon(Chip Kelly), Kentucky(Joker Phillips), Texas(Will Muschamp), and Florida(Jimbo Fisher) are all schools with coaches in waiting.

While I understand why a team would want a smooth transition in searching for a head coach, the system isn't fair.

It isn't fair not only for minority coaches, but not fair to an assistant coach who has waited for a long time for a head coaching spot.

These coaches have built up an resume and waited their time learning a system and a style of coaching. They deserve a chance at coaching and with a program naming a coach-in-waiting there are less spots being open up.

This practice must be stopped, to give everyone a fair chance.