Charles Barkley, who was known as the “Round Mound of Rebound” during his basketball career, announced the winners of his 2007 “Barkley” awards that honor coaching ineptitude in the National Football League.  

Barkley, a diehard college football fan stated, “I don’t know why so many coaches at the college level think they can go pro!  Too often, they fail to realize that in the pros, you’re dealing with men, not boys, and success doesn’t always translate.”  

'Sir' Charles created the “Round Mound of Rebound” or “Barkley” awards in 1999 to recognize those successful college coaches who fail miserably in the NFL.  These coaches, in a fit of ego inducement, take their success at the college level and attempt to make it in the NFL. 

More often than not, these coaches fail.  Barkley, sensing their despair over failing at the top, felt it only fitting to use his "Round Mound of Rebound" moniker as the name of the award since failure in the NFL has not impeded their ability to "rebound" in the college ranks, restore their self-esteem, and renew their winning ways.  

A panel, consisting of one FoxSports blogger, chose this year’s winners.  The awardees include the first two-time winner in the history of the Barkley’s, Dennis Erickson.

DENNIS ERICKSON

Coach Erickson is now a two time winner of the award, having previously won in 1999 while with the Oregon State Beavers to their first winning season in 28 years.  A successful college coach with stints at Idaho, Wyoming, Washington State, and Miami, Erickson parlayed his two national championships into a job with the Seattle Seahawks in 1995.  Erickson spent four seasons in the NFL amassing an impressive 31-33 record of mediocrity.  

Like a drug addict, however, the need for a “fix” was too great for Erickson, who skipped town on the Beavers in 2003 to take on a rebuilding project with the San Francisco 49ers.  But, his eyes were bigger than his stomach and Erickson only managed a 9-23 record over two seasons.  Consequently, Erickson returned to his true love, the college game, first at Idaho for a season, and then with the Arizona State Sun Devils, barely missing a spot in a BCS bowl game.

NICK SABAN

Saban parlayed success at three schools (Toledo, Michigan State, LSU) into the top job with the Miami Dolphins.  Becoming more successful at each stop along the way, Saban landed in Miami with great expectations.  With Dolphins, however, he guided the team to two less than stellar seasons and no playoff appearances!  Apparently, he came to the dismal realization that success at the college level does not always translate to a successful NFL career.  This astounding piece of insight on his part resulted in Saban’s sudden, secretly announced return to the college ranks as the ninth heir to the great Bear Bryant at the University of Alabama.  Roll Tide!

BOBBY PETRINO

Petrino after a successful stint leading the Louisville Cardinals into the Big East Conference, jumped at the chance to be an NFL head coach with the Atlanta Falcons.  In his four years at Louisville, Petrino led the Cardinals to two one-loss seasons and one BCS bowl appearance.  With his ego fulfilled, Petrino sought to improve his stance as a hot, up and coming coach, by guiding the Vickless Falcons in 2007.  Sadly, he only lasted 13 games into the season before resigning with a shameless 3-10 record, in order to take the top job at the University of Arkansas!  His excuse for leaving, “At Louisville, I had Brian Brohm.  I was expecting to have Michael Vick as my starting QB with the Falcons, but Vick just couldn't stay out of jail!” 

The University of Arkansas has high expectations for Petrino.  More like wishful thinking on their part!  Razorback fans are seeking to improve upon their 0.620 historic winning percentage, which equates to an average 7-4 season record (a middle-of-the-road team in the SEC).  Aren't they all?  Former coach Houston Nutt only managed to eek out a 0.610 winning percentage, which cost him his job.  Coach Petrino's task is a tough one, and should be well aware that meeting the overzealous expectations of clueless Razorback fans is a daunting task itself.  Hopefully, some day soon, these fans will realize that the Hogs are not the cream of the SEC!

Who will be the next winner of the "Round Mound of Rebound" award?  Submit your nominees and find out!