Jim Bob Cooter
Track Record:
Tennessee (Grad Assistant) — 2007-08
Indianapolis Colts (Offensive Assistant) — 2009-11
Kansas City Chiefs (Quality Control Coordinator) — 2012
Denver Broncos (Offensive Assistant) — 2013
Detroit Lions (QBs) — 2014-15
Detroit Lions (OC) — 2015-present
Pros: Not only does he have ties to Tennessee as both a player and a graduate assistant, but Jim Bob Cooter has taken a meteoric rise to his position in the NFL. The 34-year-old coach went from an offensive assistant to offensive coordinator in just six years. He’s worked with Matthew Stafford at Detroit and did a good job early on of helping Stafford get closer to reaching his potential.
Cons: Cooter’s offense this year has been lackluster at best, and it’ likely he won’t be in Detroit after this season. Detroit’s offensive line has never been good, but his play-calling has been predictable. Plus, there’s a lot of thought that Cooter wants to stay in the NFL and doesn’t have a desire to come to the college game. If Pruitt is wanting someone with exceptional recruiting ability, Cooter doesn’t make sense.
