2016 Purdue Football Coaching Search: Jeff Tedford

Candidate Tier 4

Category: old, low-risk, not happening

Who Is He?

Jeff Tedford was the coach of Cal for a decade, ending in 2012. He never quite got them over the hump and to the Rose Bowl, but man he made Cal fun for a while. He’s since been an OC in the NFL and is now an “offensive consultant,” whatever the hell that is, for the University of Washington.

Tedford was 82-57 at Cal – his only head coaching stint – and never was worse than 7 wins until he had losing seasons in two of his final three seasons. Sometimes guys just wear out and need a change. That was Tedford and Cal.

He won ten games twice with the Bears, in ’04 and ’06, went 5-3 in bowl games and ascended as high as #9 in the nation. He’s a generally good coach, it would seem, but may have lost his fastball and/or desire to chase the details the way successful CFB head coaches have to.

Why would he be successful at Purdue?

Tedford has credibility and knows how to take a conference also-ran and get them to believe. He can point to his experience with Aaron Rodgers and how that melds well with a school known for churning out excellent quarterbacks.

Why could he flop at Purdue?

As noted, he may not be as energetic about the coaching profession as he once was. Tedford is only 54, though, so you never know.

Would he come to Purdue?

Yes, probably. It’s hard to say whether Tedford is looking since he doesn’t seem to be getting into more visible positions but being on Washington’s staff as Petersen makes them excellent again certainly can’t hurt.