Imagine being a legendary NFL player, stepping away from the gridiron, and then being asked to dive headfirst into the chaotic world of college football coaching. For J.J. Watt, that’s a hard pass. The future Pro Football Hall of Famer has made it crystal clear: coaching college football holds ‘absolutely no appeal’ for him. But why? Isn’t coaching the natural next step for a retired athlete? Not for Watt, and here’s why.
Since hanging up his cleats, Watt has seamlessly transitioned into the CBS Sports announcing booth, a role he seems to be enjoying—and one he plans to stick with for the foreseeable future. During a recent appearance on The Pat McAfee Show, Watt was jokingly asked if he’d consider coaching at his alma mater, the University of Wisconsin. The Badgers, under head coach Luke Fickell, have struggled to find their footing with a 14-17 record since 2023. But even the chance to turn things around for his former team couldn’t tempt Watt.
‘The life of a college football coach has absolutely no appeal whatsoever to me,’ Watt stated bluntly. He loves the on-field aspects of coaching—the strategy, the player development, the pure joy of helping athletes reach their potential. But here’s where it gets controversial: Watt can’t stomach the off-field chaos. The endless meetings, the relentless recruiting, the pressure from boosters, and the modern complexities of NIL deals—it’s a far cry from the game he fell in love with. ‘You could pay me $50 million, and I don’t want to go and do that,’ he declared. ‘I have no interest in it.’
Watt’s stance raises an intriguing question: Is the life of a college football coach overrated? For someone who’s achieved so much on the field, the administrative and political aspects of coaching seem like a deal-breaker. And he’s not alone in this sentiment. Many former players prefer roles that keep them closer to the game without the added stress of recruiting 17-year-olds or dealing with post-game criticism from fans and boosters.
Watt’s time at Wisconsin (2008-2010) was nothing short of stellar. After transferring from Central Michigan, he earned First Team All-Big Ten and All-American honors in 2010, paving the way for his NFL career. Drafted 11th overall in 2011, he went on to become a three-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year, a five-time First Team All-Pro, and a two-time NFL sacks leader. With a legacy like that, it’s no wonder he’s content in the broadcast booth.
Meanwhile, Wisconsin’s coaching situation remains uncertain. Fickell’s $27.5 million buyout is one of the highest in college football, but as we’ve seen this season, even hefty buyouts don’t guarantee job security. Coaches like James Franklin (Penn State) and Mike Gundy (Oklahoma State) have been let go despite their teams’ relative success. And this is the part most people miss: The pressure on college coaches is immense, and even a legend like Watt wants no part of it.
So, what do you think? Is Watt making the right call by avoiding the coaching carousel, or is he missing out on a chance to shape the next generation of players? Let us know in the comments—we’d love to hear your take on this heated debate!
