The path to being a college football head coach usually starts as a player. Most college football coaches played the sport their entire lives, though there are exceptions. Michigan State's Jonathan Smith is not an exception; he played quarterback for Oregon State from 1998-2001.
Smith finished his Oregon State career with 9,106 passing yards and 52 touchdowns with 29 interceptions. He even led the Beavers to one of the best seasons in program history, going 11-1 in 2000, capped off by a Fiesta Bowl win.
The former quarterback-turned-head coach is fourth all-time in passing yards at Oregon State, and he's tied for third all-time in touchdown passes.