-- Sometimes, the path toward becoming a college head coach is a two-way street.
Alabama's new offensive coordinator, Lane Kiffin, is merely the latest to experience what it's like at the top of the pyramid before stepping back into the sort of position that ultimately helped him land a head coaching gig.
While the majority of coordinators at BCS programs have never been coordinators, the following comprise a select group that Kiffin joined Friday when he .
Cam CameronWhere was he?: Indiana (1997-2001), Miami Dolphins (2007)Record as head coach: 18-37 in college, 1-15 in NFLWhere is he now?: LSU, offensive coordinatorHow's he doing?: The Tigers offense, particularly quarterback Zach Mettenberger, looked much sharper under Cameron's watch this past season. LSU held its own in a few shootouts and finished with an average of 35.8 points and 453.3 yards per game.
Dave ChristensenWhere was he?: WyomingRecord as head coach: 27-35Where is he now?: Utah, offensive coordinatorHow's he doing?: He was one of the first head coaches axed, but he quickly found work when Kyle Whittingham hired him to revitalize the Utes' stagnant offensive attack. The former Missouri offensive coordinator under Gary Pinkel will also work with the tight ends.
Greg DavisWhere was he?: Tulane (1988-91)Record as head coach: 14-31Where is he now?: Iowa, offensive coordinatorHow's he doing?: He's been an offensive coordinator at five major programs since his time in New Orleans came to a close. He's been with the Hawkeyes, who ranked ninth in total offense and scoring offense among Big Ten teams this past season, since 2012.
Luke FickellWhere was he?: Ohio State (2011)Record as head coach: 6-7Where is he now?: Ohio State, co-defensive coordinatorHow's he doing?: He was the interim head coach after Jim Tressel was fired and remained with his alma mater after Urban Meyer took over. His name was recently linked to the head coach opening at Florida Atlantic.
Ellis JohnsonWhere was he?: The Citadel (2001-03), Southern Miss (2012)Record as head coach: 17-40Where is he now?: Auburn, defensive coordinatorHow's he doing?: The Tigers ranked ninth in SEC in scoring defense and 12th in total defense, but the unit was much better than it was under the previous regime. Few defenses were better in the red zone than Auburn's was in 2013.
Lane KiffinWhere was he?: Oakland Raiders (2007-08), Tennessee (2009), USC (2010-2013)Record as head coach: 35-21 in college, 5-15 in NFLWhere is he now?: Alabama, offensive coordinatorHow's he doing?: Hired to replace Doug Nussmeier, Kiffin is tasked with taking over an Alabama offense that put up big numbers but stalled during spurts.
Mike LocksleyWhere was he?: New Mexico (2009-11)Record as head coach: 2-26Where is he now?: Maryland, offensive coordinatorHow's he doing?: Working under Randy Edsall near his native Washington D.C., Locksley has been with the Terrapins since 2012. Maryland ranked ninth in scoring offense and eighth in total offense among ACC teams in 2013.
Mark ManginoWhere was he?: Kansas (2002-09)Record as head coach: 50-48Where is he now?: Iowa State, offensive coordinatorHow's he doing?: After a controversial exit from Kansas, Mangino was out of football until 2013, when he spent a year at his alma mater, Youngstown State, as an associate head coach. He replaces Courtney Messingham on Paul Rhoads' Cyclones staff.
Garrick McGeeWhere was he?: UAB (2012-13)Record as head coach: 5-19Where is he now?: Louisville, offensive coordinatorHow's he doing?: Formerly an offensive coordinator under Bobby Petrino at Arkansas, McGee is back with his old boss after two disappointing seasons with the Blazers.
Hal MummeWhere was he?: Kentucky (1997-2000), New Mexico State (2005-2008)Record as head coach: 31-64Where is he now?: SMU, offensive coordinatorHow's he doing?: Mumme's been a head coach much more than he hasn't, as he also held top gigs at Iowa Wesleyan, Valdosta State, Southeastern Louisiana and McMurry. In his first year as JUST an offensive coordinator since 1985, Mumme oversaw a Mustangs' offense that ranked fifth in scoring offense and fourth in total offense among AAC teams.
Ron PrinceWhere was he?: Kansas State (2006-08)Record as head coach: 17-20Where is he now?: Rutgers, offensive coordinatorHow's he doing?: After holding an assistant gig at Virginia and similar roles with two NFL squads, Prince joined Kyle Flood's staff in 2013. The Scarlet Knights were middle-of-the-pack among American Athletic Conference teams during its 6-7 campaign.
Ted RoofWhere was he?: Duke (2003-07)Record as head coach: 6-45Where is he now?: Georgia Tech, defensive coordinatorHow's he doing?: He's bounced around quite a bit since his days in Durham, landing defensive coordinator gigs with Minnesota, Auburn, UCF, Penn State and now his alma mater, Georgia Tech. The Yellow Jackets ranked in the top half of ACC defenses this past season, allowing 22.8 points and 360.2 yards per game.
Mark SnyderWhere was he?: Marshall (2005-09)Record as head coach: 22-37Where is he now?: Texas A M, defensive coordinatorHow's he doing?: After two seasons at South Florida, Snyder joined Kevin Sumlin's staff in 2012. The Aggies were one of the nation's worst defensive teams in 2013, allowing 32.2 points and 475.8 yards per game.
Mike StoopsWhere was he?: Arizona (2004-2011)Record as head coach: 41-50Where is he now?: Oklahoma, defensive coordinatorHow's he doing?: Reunited with his brother Bob, Stoops led an Oklahoma defense that ranked second in scoring defense and first in total defense among Big 12 teams this past season. AL.com coverage | 2013 Alabama Andrew Gribble stories, opinion, news Thank you for subscribing. You should receive your first newsletter within 24 hours. To view and subscribe to any of our other newsletters, please .