In 2025, several former NFL legends have started or are still coaching college football talent, bringing their on-field experience and name recognition to programs hungry for success.
From Hall of Famers to Super Bowl champions, these former pros are making waves in the NCAA, using their lessons from the past to guide the path of the new. Here are some of the most notable NFL veterans turned coaches who are still active in 2025.
How Many Former NFL Stars Are Coaching College Football?
Deion Sanders, Colorado Buffaloes
“Coach Prime,” a Pro Football Hall of Famer and one of the greatest defensive backs in NFL history, continues to lead Colorado. After a 9-4 season in 2024, Sanders, who played 14 NFL seasons with the Atlanta Falcons, San Francisco 49ers, Dallas Cowboys, and others, has transformed the Buffaloes into a Big 12 contender.
His staff includes fellow Hall of Famers Marshall Faulk (running backs coach) and Warren Sapp (defensive analyst), who are creating a powerhouse of NFL pedigree. His $10 million annual salary reflects how much the program values his presence.
Bill Belichick, North Carolina Tar Heels
One of the biggest names in football, Bill Belichick, an eight-time Super Bowl champion (six as Patriots head coach, two as Giants defensive coordinator), stunned the sports world by taking the North Carolina job in December 2024.
Despite no college coaching experience, Belichick’s NFL resume is enough to establish credibility—his $10 million buyout drops to $1 million in June. Recently, though, his tenure has turned sour with off-field issues surrounding his 24-year-old girlfriend, Jordon Hudson. While he is leading UNC, he has yet to coach a game.
Marshall Faulk, Colorado Buffaloes
A Pro Football Hall of Famer and 2000 NFL MVP, Marshall Faulk joined Deion Sanders’ Colorado staff as running backs coach in 2025. Faulk, who starred for the Indianapolis Colts and St. Louis Rams, brings a resume featuring three consecutive Offensive Player of the Year awards (1999-2001).
Singing a contract with a $400,000 salary, Faulk is tasked with developing Colorado’s backfield, complementing Sanders’ high-profile program.
Brian Hartline, Ohio State Buckeyes
Brian Hartline, a former Ohio State standout and Miami Dolphins receiver, was promoted to Ohio State’s offensive coordinator for 2025 after Chip Kelly’s departure to the NFL.
Hartline, who played seven NFL seasons and posted back-to-back 1,000-yard receiving years (2012-13), is renowned for mentoring first-round picks like Chris Olave, Marvin Harrison Jr., and Garrett Wilson.
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His recruiting skills landed superstar Jeremiah Smith, and as OC, he’s expected to unleash Ohio State’s untapped passing game, which will be critical for maintaining their momentum after the 2024 national title.
James Laurinaitis, Ohio State Buckeyes
Another Buckeye alum, James Laurinaitis, a second-round pick who played eight NFL seasons (mostly with the St. Louis Rams), is Ohio State’s linebackers coach in 2025. A three-time All-Pro, Laurinaitis transitioned from a graduate assistant role at Notre Dame and Ohio State to a full-time position in 2024.
Other notable NFL names in college coaching include Hines Ward (Arizona State), DeMarco Murray (Oklahoma), Jason Taylor (Miami), and Patrick Surtain Sr. (Florida State).
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