Greg Roman has drawn interest for head coaching jobs, but perhaps because of his own success as much as timing, hasn’t landed one yet.
But the 49ers offensive coordinator said he’ll get his chance to move up a chair.
Roman told 97.3 ESPN in Atlantic City (via Eric Branch of the San Francisco Chronicle) that he didn’t regret his path.
“Some people want to be an assistant coach and that’s what they want to do,” Roman said. “And some people want to be a head coach and that’s what their goal is. I think we’re all very goal-driven. And I think the time will come [for me].”
Roman reportedly interviewed for the Penn State job, and had an interview with the Vikings while the 49ers were in Charlotte for a divisional round playoff game against the Panthers.
He has interviewed for several other college jobs, and turned down Tulane, but hasn’t been able to land an NFL spot, missing the Vikings job when they hired former Bengals defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer.
“It was a great experience for me,” Roman said. “The first time I’ve ever interviewed for an NFL head-coaching job. The people I met with were very impressive. The way it was set up and executed was very impressive. It was very exciting. At the same time, it was very humbling, … that they would take the time and consider you a head coach. That being said, it’ll come. It’ll come when it’s time. Just going through that process this year was a big step for me.”
As perverse as it sounds, the best thing for his coaching future might be for the 49ers to not be quite as successful, as their playoff schedule has kept him from being totally available. Other coaches have made the leap from coordinator a year removed going to a Super Bowl or winning playoff games, and a down year might be what it takes for Roman to get a chance.