easier for guys to get into coaching who don't have the athleticism to play but still have the brains and personality for coaching. To your point, most grad assistants get their role because of existing relationships that developed when they were players themselves. Need to have a way for non-players to have equal access to those roles as well. But I can also understand why those who played would still be preferred because they can relate better to the pressures of performing on the field and have know what the POV is on field in those battles, etc.