Ranking the 127 FBS Coaches by their Playing Careers

https://www.cbssports.com/collegefootball/eye-on-college-football/24679811/ranking-fbs-college-football-coaches-by-playing-career-1-128

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1. Steve Spurrier, South Carolina -- The only Heisman Trophy winner on this list, Spurrier won the honor after a senior year at Florida (1966) in which he threw for 2,012 yards and 16 TDs and helped the Gators to a win over Georgia Tech in the Orange Bowl. Mostly a backup at the next level, Spurrier went 13-24-1 as a starter in 10 seasons as an NFL quarterback with the 49ers and Bucs, and also amassed more than 8,800 yards as a punter.

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14. Bret Bielema, Arkansas -- Bielema worked his way up from a walk-on to a starting defensive lineman under Hayden Fry at Iowa (1989-92), and was a Hawkeyes' captain as a senior. Bielema was cut during training camp with the Seattle Seahawks in 1993, and went on to briefly play for the Milwaukee Mustangs of the Arena League.

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20. Will Muschamp, Florida -- Muchamp was a walk-on strong safety for Ray Goff at Georgia, but quickly earned a scholarship and ended up playing in 44 games and earning a captain role as a senior (1994).

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22. Kevin Sumlin, Texas A&M

25. Gary Pinkel, Missouri

34. Les Miles, LSU -- Miles played at Michigan, where he was an undersized offensive lineman

40. Mark Richt, Georgia -- Richt (who discussed his college career here) served mainly as a backup quarterback

47. Nick Saban, Alabama -- Saban played multiple secondary positions under Don James at Kent State (1970-72),

63. Mark Stoops, Kentucky

69. Derek Mason, Vanderbilt

97. Gus Malzahn, Auburn -- Malzahn started his career as a walk-on wideout at Arkansas

111. Dan Mullen, Mississippi State -- Mullen started two years at tight end for Division III Ursinus College

117. Butch Jones, Tennessee -- Jones played two years at Division II Ferris State

121. Hugh Freeze, Ole Miss -- Freeze was a three-sport athlete at Senatobia (MS) high school, including football, and played baseball at the junior college level but did not play sports at his alma mater, Southern Miss.