When a man spends fifteen years in the National Football League, one might believe it difficult for said man to fall out of touch with the football domain he once dominated. That's not the case for former Dallas Cowboys and Buffalo Bills defensive end Jim Jeffcoat.
"I'm pretty busy with coaching, and really don't have much time to keep an eye on the NFL," Jeffcoat told Buffalo Rumblings.
Jeffcoat - a two-time Super Bowl champion with Dallas who spent his final three NFL seasons in Buffalo - recently completed his first season as the defensive line coach at the University of Houston. Jeffcoat's prize pupil, DE Phillip Hunt, is working hard toward becoming an early-round pick in the 2009 NFL Draft. Considering Buffalo's need for a speed rusher at the end position, Jeffcoat was more than happy to share his thoughts on Hunt.
"He's a playmaker, whether it be running after the ball or chasing the quarterback," said Jeffcoat of Hunt. "Phillip just likes to play football. He'd be really happy to play anywhere in the NFL." Rumblings Scouting Report: Houston DE Phillip Hunt
Hunt's most productive college season came in his one year with Jeffcoat; the Cougar star tallied 18.5 tackles for loss and 14 sacks in his senior season (though Jeffcoat was quick to point out that, in reality, the sack total should have been one higher). Michael Murphy of The Houston Chronicle attributes Hunt's success to Jeffcoat's tutelage, calling the latter's presence "the first 'real' coaching [Hunt] got" at the college level.
"He has a really good motor and plays with a lot of effort. He's a great teammate, and likes to play the game and likes to study it, too," said Jeffcoat.
Jeffcoat's other pupil
Jeffcoat's day job isn't the only item of interest occupying his time these days. His son, Jackson, is currently a junior defensive end at Plano West High School in Plano, Texas, where the Jeffcoat family currently resides. The 6'4", 233-pound teenager reportedly runs a legitimate 4.6-second 40 yard dash and is ranked by Scout.com as the second-best defensive end prospect in the Class of 2010. Does father offer tips to son from the prior's professional playing days?
"Not really," says Jeffcoat. "I'd rather just let him learn on his own, and I try and stay out of his way. If he's got a question, I definitely help him, but he studies his own film, and makes adjustments on his own. We're really just trying to make sure he has fun playing the game."
An All-Pac 10 performer at Arizona State in his college days, Jeffcoat says that his son hasn't decided on a collegiate destination when he graduates in just over a full calendar year. "He's only a junior, so he's still got some time [to decide]."
Even though he's not as intricately involved with the NFL game as he once was - coaching young men, raising a family and closely monitoring the career growth of a potentially special son will limit your free time, to be sure - Jeffcoat isn't oblivious to NFL news these days. The former Cowboy likes the Bills' recent signing of a certain other former Cowboy.
"Oh, I think [Terrell Owens] is gonna be great for Buffalo," Jeffcoat said. "It was such a mess in Dallas, and I think T.O. really wants to prove some people wrong. I think he's gonna have a great year for Buffalo. It's gonna be exciting, that's for sure. T.O. has such a tremendous work ethic. You better make sure to get your popcorn ready."
Many thanks to Coach Jeffcoat for taking some time out of his extremely busy schedule to speak via telephone with Rumblings moderator 'krytime' early Tuesday. We wish him and his family nothing but the best in their future endeavors. Now go draft Phillip Hunt, Buffalo!