Every single coach Maryland could hire to replace Randy Edsall

Randy Edsall is done in College Park, which means Maryland fans get to embark on the exciting adventure that is a coaching search. You will hear many, many potential candidates during this long period, only a fraction of which are even realistic and even a smaller fraction of which have any legitimate merit.

PREVIOUSLY in Maryland football coaching searches under Kevin Anderson, in 2010/1 the program contacted:

• Then-Maryland head-coach-in-waiting James Franklin, now with Penn State.
• Then-Boise State coach Chris Petersen, now with Washington.
• Then-Michigan coach Rich Rodriguez, now with Arizona.
• Then-SMU coach June Jones, now retired.

After Leach was rumored to be the favorite, Edsall was hired January 3, 2011, rushed in to meet the school's hiring deadline a month before Signing Day. So these things don't always end as expected.

But hey, it's wild speculation and a fresh new start, and for a struggling program that's as close to fun as you get! And this time, the Terps have enough time to be a bit more deliberate.

Here's just about every name you'll hear connected to the job. Some are more likely than others. There will almost definitely be a serious candidate that is not on this list. But stay tuned, because we'll be covering it all.

Coordinators

Mike Locksley, Maryland offensive coordinator

Age: 45

Salary: $632,000

Head coaching record: 2-26

A D.C. native known as one of the best recruiters in the nation, Locksley played defensive back at Towson from 1988-91. After brief stints with Towson, Navy Prep, Pacific and Army, he was hired as Maryland's running backs coach under Ron Vanderlinden in 1997. Locksley and wide receivers coach James Franklin were the only assistants retained by new head coach Ralph Friedgen, but Locksley left for Ron Zook's staff at Florida in 2003.

After two unremarkable seasons with the Illini, Illinois won at No. 1 Ohio State and went to the Rose Bowl thanks to Rashard Mendenhall, Juice Williams and Arrelious Benn. After another fairly good season for the Illinois offense in 2008, Locksley left for the head coaching job at New Mexico.

That did not go quite as well. New Mexico went 2-26 during the stretch, Locksley was suspended for punching an assistant and left with one of the worst records for an FBS head coach ever. He was hired as Maryland's offensive coordinator in 2012, overseeing an awful 2012 offense and two mediocre offenses before this season. Locksley has also been instrumental in securing local star recruits like Stefon Diggs, Damian Prince, Dwayne Haskins, Yannick Ngakoue and Keandre Jones.

Why it would work: A head coaching position would allow Locksley to fully take control of the local recruiting movement (and likely keep much of the 2016 class's core) while taking him away from the Terps' struggling offense. With the right coordinator hires, Maryland could retain local talent and actually use it.

Why it wouldn't: Many fans would view it as more of the same, justly or no. And there's the whole "everything at New Mexico."

Luke Fickell, Ohio State co-defensive coordinator

Age: 42

Salary: $640,000

Head coaching record: 6-7

A Columbus native, Fickell played nose guard at Ohio State (and briefly with the Saints) and has spent his entire coaching career with the Buckeyes besides a two-year stint at Akron. He's been a defensive line coach, a linebackers coach, a special teams coordinator and a defensive coordinator, and even served as Ohio State's head coach in 2011 after Jim Tressel's resignation.

Fickell has worked under two of the greatest coaches of this era in Tressel and Urban Meyer, and he has strong ties to the Big Ten region, to say the least.

Why it would work: Fickell is an ace recruiter and is looking for a head coaching job of his own.

Why it wouldn't: Maryland might not be an attractive enough offer to take him away from Columbus, and it would be a considerable promotion.

Jeremy Pruitt, Georgia defensive coordinator

Age: 41

Salary: $850,000

Head coaching record: 0-0

The Alabama native played defensive back at the Tide and spent most of the beginning of his career at Alabama high schools. He was hired as a defensive assistant at Alabama in 2007, spending six years on Alabama's staff before being hired as Florida State's defensive coordinator prior to the 2013 season.

Pruitt's Seminole defense was the best in the country that year, en route to a national title. His first Georgia defense ranked in the top 20 of S&P+, while this year the Bulldogs are hanging around the top 40.

Why it would work: He's a rising defensive name who would bring stability to that side of the ball, and has worked on some of the best coaching staffs in the country (especially when it comes to recruiting).

Why it wouldn't: Pruitt has only been a coordinator for just over two years, and this would be a significant step up. He also has no ties to the region.

Lane Kiffin, Alabama offensive coordinator

Age: 40

Salary: $680,000 ($714,000 in 2016)

Head coaching record: 28-15 college, 5-15 NFL

A Nebraska native who played quarterback at Fresno State, Kiffin was hired by Lane Kiffin as an offensive assistant at USCS in 2001. He became the Trojans' offensive coordinator and recruiting coordinator in 2005, helping lead that terrifying Matt Leinart/Reggie Bush/LenDale White offense, and at 31 became the youngest NFL head coach of the modern era when he was hired by the Raiders in 2007.

Oakland went 4-12 in his first season and Kiffin was fired after a 1-3 start to the 2008 campaign. He replaced Phillip Fulmer at Tennessee before the 2009 season, and posted a 7-6 season before leaving for the head coaching job at USC a year later.

After an 18-7 record in his first two seasons and a top-10 finish in 2011, Kiffin's Trojans fell to 7-6 in 2012 and he was fired just five games into the 2013 season after an 0-2 conference start. He's attempted to remake his career as the offensive coordinator at Alabama, leading the No. 5 offense in the nation last year and another strong unit this season.

Why it would work: Okay, hear me out. Kiffin had disastrous tenures with the Oakland Raiders, Tennessee and USC, but he's undeniably one of the best recruiters in the country and a sharp offensive mind. What does Maryland have to lose?

Why it wouldn't: Have you ever talked to a Tennessee fan about Lane Kiffin?

Kirby Smart, Alabama defensive coordinator

Age: 39

Salary: $1.5 million

Head coaching record: 0-0

An Alabama native and former Georgia defensive back, Smart has worked under Bobby Bowden, Mark Richt and Nick Saban (at LSU, in the NFL and at Alabama). After one year as the defensive coordinator at Valdosta State in 2001 (just three years out of college), Smart bounced around as a position coach before landing the defensive coordinator gig with the Tide in 2008.

Since then, Alabama's been excellent, led by a mean defense that has produced a seemingly endless supply of NFL products and shutdown performances.

Why it would work: He's one of the top coordinators in the country and has been for a while.

Why it wouldn't: Smart doesn't have any ties to the area, and could probably wait out for a better job.

Lincoln Riley, Oklahoma offensive coordinator

Age: 32

Salary: $500,000

Head coaching record: 0-0

A former walk-on quarterback for Mike Leach at Texas Tech, Riley spent nine years as an assistant under Leach in Lubbock before leaving with defensive coordinator Ruffin McNeill, the head coach at East Carolina. Riley was McNeill's offensive coordinator, leading a high-powered attack that repeatedly took down power conference opponents.

In five seasons at ECU, Riley's offenses were the top five passing seasons in Pirates history. Wide receiver Justin Hardy set the NCAA record for career receptions, and ECU was known for a fast-paced attack.

Why it would work: He's one of the brightest young minds in the game, and could help bring an exciting offensive attack back to College Park.

Why it wouldn't: He's 32.

Scott Frost, Oregon offensive coordinator

Age: 40

Salary: $400,000

Head coaching record: 0-0

One of the best quarterbacks ever to play at Nebraska, Frost played under Bill Walsh, Tom Osborne, Bill Parcells, Bill Belichick and Jon Gruden in his college and pro career.

After a few years as an assitant at Nebraska, Kansas State and Northern Iowa (where he was the defensive coordinator), Frost was hired as a part of Chip Kelly's Oregon staff in 2009 as the wide receivers coach. He was promoted to offensive coordinator in 2013, leading the Ducks to two top-10 finishes.

Why it would work: He was tied to a Big Ten job already last season in Nebraska, was a national championship-winning player and helped Marcus Mariota win a Heisman.

Why it wouldn't: No ties to the area, and Oregon's struggling without Mariota.

D.J. Durkin, Michigan defensive coordinator

Age: 37

Salary: $800,000

Head coaching record: 1-0

An Ohio native, Durkin played at Bowling Green and earning defensive assistant jobs with Bowling Green and Notre Dame after his playing days ended. He was hired by Jim Harbaugh as the defensive ends coach/special teams coordinator at Stanford in 2007, and after excellent work with that program was hired by Will Muschamp at Florida, working his way up to defensive coordinator. Durkin was Florida's interim head coach after Muschamp's dismissal, and was hired by Harbaugh to lead Michigan's defense this year. That's a very good defense, if you haven't caught on.

Why it would work: His defenses at Florida were fantastic despite bad teams, he's from the Midwest and early returns at Michigan suggest Big Ten success as well.

Why it wouldn't: He's only been a coordinator for three years, and if he keeps this up he could be angling for a better job anyway.

Cam Cameron, LSU offensive coordinator

Age: 54

Salary: $1.5 million

Head coaching record: 18-37 college, 1-15 NFL

A multi-sport athlete at Indiana under Lee Corso and Bobby Knight, Cameron's coaching career started under Bo Schembechler at Michigan. After a brief NFL stint as Washington's QB coach, he was hired as the head coach of his alma mater, posting an 18-37 record over five bowl-less seasons.

In 2002, Cameron was hired as the offensive coordinator of the San Diego Chargers, where he spent five successful season before being hired as the head coach of the Miami Dolphins. One 1-15 season later and he was back in an offensive coordinator role, this time with the Baltimore Ravens. In 2013, Cameron was hired as LSU's offensive coordinator, and currently have the Tigers in the top 10 of offensive S&P+.

Among his players coached: Jim Harbaugh, Evlis Grbac, Desmond Howard, Gus Frerotte, Trent Green, Antwaan Randle El, LaDainian Tomlinson, Drew Brees and Leonard Fournette.

Why it would work: He has a lengthy resume, Big Ten experience, local NFL ties and coaches a strong offense.

Why it wouldn't: His head coaching stints have not gone well and he's probably a bit older than the ideal candidate.

Pep Hamilton, Indianapolis Colts offensive coordinator

Age: 41

Salary: Unknown

Head coaching record: 0-0

A Charlotte native, Hamilton played quarterback at local Howard University, starting his coaching career there as a quarterbacks coach and then offensive coordinator. He was hired by the Jets in 2003, moving around a number of offensive assistant jobs (mostly quarterbacks coach) in the NFL.

In 2010, Mike Locksley hired Hamilton as his offensive coordinator at New Mexico, but Hamilton left before the season started for Jim Harbaugh's staff at Stanford. He was promoted to offensive coordinator the next season under David Shaw, and was hired by the Colts in 2013.

Why it would work: Local ties, track record of college and NFL success, connection to Locksley.

Why it wouldn't work: No head coaching experience, would probably not be the splash hire Anderson is hoping for.

MAC flavor of the week

Dino Babers, Bowling Green head coach

Age: 54

Salary: $413,000

Head coaching record: 31-15

A former Hawai'i football player, Babers started his coaching career as a graduate assistant with the Warriors before bouncing around various gigs, including one Big Ten stint as the wide receivers coach at Purdue. In 1998 he was hired as Arizona's offensive coordinator under Dick Tomey, and then moved to the same position at Texas A&M towards the end of R.C. Slolcum's tenure.

Babers's career took a big boost as the wide receivers coach at Baylor under Art Briles, being a part of one of the most successful offensive coaching staffs in football. He was hired as the head coach at Eastern Illinois in 2012, winning two conference titles in two years and making the FCS Quarterfinals in his second season. In 2014, he was hired to replace Dave Clawson at Bowling Green, winning the MAC East that year and putting the Falcons on a record-setting offensive pace this year/

Why it would work: Well, he beat Maryland, and convincingly too. He has a high-powered offense and experience around the country, including in the conference.

Why it wouldn't: Surprisingly old, with still a relatively small sample size from which to judge!

P.J. Fleck, Western Michigan head coach

Age: 34

Salary: $802,500

Head coaching record: 11-19

An Illinois native, Fleck was a record-setting wide receiver in high school who set even more records as a receiver/returner at Northern Illinois. After a brief career as a player with the 49ers, Fleck got a job as a graduate assistant under Jim Tressel at Ohio State.

Fleck spent three years as a wide receivers coach and recruiting coordinator at Northern Illinois before brief stints at Rutgers and with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He was hired to take over a very bad Western Michigan program prior to the 2013 season, improving from 1-11 to 8-5 in his second year. Fleck has also secured the top recruiting class in the MAC each of the past two seasons, and looks on pace to do so again this year.

Why it would work: Tireless recruiter, regional ties, young up-and-coming talent.

Why it wouldn't: Jury's still out on how well he can actually coach.

Matt Campbell, Toledo head coach

Age: 35

Salary: $496,450

Head coaching record: 31-13

A former defensive lineman at Mount Union, Campbell has only coached at three places -- Mount Union, Bowling Green and Toledo. After two years as the Rockets' offensive coordinator and a bowl game win as an interim head coach, Campbell was given the job before the 2012 season and has put together two nine-win seasons, tying for the division title last year.

With wins over Arkansas, Arkansas State and Iowa State as well as a top-25 ranking, this may be his best year yet.

Why it would work: Campbell is one of the hot up-and-coming names on the coaching circuit and has had success in the Big Ten region.

Why it wouldn't: Still early to tell how good he is! And he's spent his entire career in Ohio.

Coaches that need a job

Greg Schiano

Age: 49

Head coaching record: 68-67 college, 11-21 NFL

A New Jersey native and former Bucknell linebacker, Schiano started his coaching career at Rutgers before six years as a defensive assistant under Joe Paterno at Penn State. After three years with the Chicago Bears, he was hired as Butch Davis's defensive coordinator at Miami in 1999 and oversaw two very good 'Canes defenses (and Ed Reed).

In 2000, Schiano took over a Rutgers program that had not made a bowl game since 1978. After four years of on-field struggles (but good recruiting), Rutgers went 7-5 in 2005 and made the Insight Bowl. The Scarlet Knights made (and own) a bowl game the next four years in a row, including an 11-2 record and a brief stint in the top-10 in 2006.

Schiano left to coach the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2012, posting a 7-9 record in his first season and getting fired after a 4-12 2013. Oh, and it was even worse than it sounds.

Schiano's tactics drew criticism from players and other coaches. There was a mass exodus of players early on his career. Those who didn't buy into his "my way or the highway" approach were shipped out. One report earlier this year said there was an "atmosphere of fear and distrust" among the players. Another report said coaches around the NFL view Schiano as a bully and one didn't expect him to last very long unless he changed his ways.

"It's his way or [expletive] you," the coach said. "He needs to back up a little bit, or he's going to have a very hard time in this league over the long haul."

Schiano drew almost instant criticism from players and it didn't take long for him to draw the ire of fellow coaches. His decision to have players attack the legs of offensive linemen on kneel-down plays has drawn heavy criticism from around the league. He was again thrust into national headlines this season for his handling of then starting quarterback Josh Freeman. Schiano decided to bench Freeman, but the situation got ugly. The NFL Players' Association accused Schiano of leaking confidential information about Freeman.

Why it would work: It would be similar to the Edsall hire, so Kevin Anderson might lean this way. Plus, he's available, a great evaluator of talent, and if he could do it at Rutgers...

Why it wouldn't: It would be verrrry similar to the Edsall hire. Another hard-nose military type who brought a horrendous program to its highest of heights -- only difference here is the coach then left for a disastrous NFL tenure (and does that first paragraph up there sound familiar?).

Houston Nutt

Age: 57

Head coaching record: 135-96

A Little Rock native, Nutt played quarterback at Arkansas and Oklahoma State before assistant jobs with both schools. As an offensive assistant at Oklahoma State, he oversaw Barry Sanders and Thurman Thomas before leaving for Arkansas and eventually the head coaching job at Murray State in 1993.

After two years under .500, the Racers went 22-3 in his final two seasons with a 16-0 record in the Ohio Valley Conference. After just one year at Boise State (where he took the Broncos from very bad to mediocre before the Broncos became truly great), he was hired at Arkansas in 1997.

Nutt was the second-winningest coach in Arkansas history, posting a 74-58 record over 10 years. Fan frustration mounted as SEC losses piled up, and he resigned after 2007 one season removed from a 10-4 (7-1) year. He was hired by Ole Miss ahead of the 2008 season, and after back-to-back 9-4 seasons to start his tenure, Ole Miss went 4-8 and 2-10 before he resigned.

While there are no ties to the immediate area, Nutt is known as a good recruiter. The SEC implemeneted the Houston Nutt rule after he signed 37 players in one class

Why it would work: If there's an open job, Houston's interested. And he's an excellent recruiter.

Why it wouldn't: No ties to the region, and it's been four years since he coached.

Brady Hoke

Age: 56

Head coaching record: 78-70

An Ohio native and former Ball State linebacker, Hoke moved around as a defensive assistant in the Midwest (including under Jack Harbaugh) before being hired as the defensive line coach at Oregon State in 1989. He was hired by Michigan as an assistant in 1995, eventually being named associate head coach in 2002.

Hoke was hired as Ball State's head coach in 2003, and after four sub-.500 years went 7-6 for the program's first winning record since 1996. The Cardinals went 12-0 for the first time in school history in 2008, and Hoke was hired by San Diego State.

The Aztecs hadn't had a winning season since 1998. After a 4-8 debut year, Hoke went 9-4 and won the Poinsettia bowl in 2010.

Michigan hired him in 2011, and Hoke won 11 games (including the Sugar Bowl) in his first year. But the Wolverines' win total got smaller each year, and he was fired after a 5-7 2014 season that included a loss to Randy Edsall's Maryland.

Why it would work: He needs the job, and he has a much better track record than his current reputation.

Why it wouldn't: No ties to the immediate region, defensive background, the whole "losing to the guy they just got rid of" thing.

Alumni

Frank Reich, San Diego Chargers offensive coordinator

Age: 53

Salary: Unknown

Head coaching record: 0-0

A New York native, Reich was recruited to Maryland as a quarterback out of Pennsylvania. After a few years as Boomer Esiason's backup, Reich entered the Terrapins' 1984 game against Miami to replace Stan Gelbaugh, with Maryland trailing 31-0 at halftime.

Maryland won the game, completing what was the biggest comeback in college history, thanks to this throw.

Reich ended up leading the Buffalo Bills to the biggest comeback in NFL history as well, playing in the league for over a decade before joining the Colts' offensive staff in 2008. After some time as Peyton Manning's quarterbacks coach (and stints as a wide receivers coach with the Colts and and Cardinals), Reich was hired as the Chargers' quarterbacks coach in 2013. He has been the team's offensive coordinator for each of the past two seasons. San Diego scored 24.0 points per game last year, No. 11 in the league.

Why it would work: He's an emerging offensive mind and a former Terrapin player. Maryland has had success going down that path before.

Why it wouldn't: He has never coached at the college level, and we have no idea whether he can recruit.

Mike Tice, Oakland Raiders offensive line coach

Age: 56

Salary: Unknown

Head coaching record: 32-33

From New York, Tice was a quarterback at Maryland before a lengthy NFL career as a tight end. He quickly moved up in the Vikings organization from tight ends coach in 1996 to head coach in 2002, but made the playoffs just once in four years before his contract was allowed to expire after the 2005 season.

Since then, Tice has jumped around as an offensive assistant with NFL staffs, including one year as the Chicago Bears' offensive coordinator in 2012.

Why it would work: Fans like hiring alums, and he fits the offensive background.

Why it wouldn't: On the older side and has never coached at the college level before.

Lower-level coaches

Bob Stitt, Montana head coach

Age: 51

Salary: $175,000

Head coaching record: 111-64

A Nebraska native and former star NAIA running back at Doane, Stitt was a record-setting offensive coordinator at Harvard before being hired at the Colorado School of Mines. He set many, many records at that school, taking the program to unprecedented heights before being hired at Montana prior to this past year. In his first game with the Grizzlies, he beat three-time reigning FCS champions North Dakota State.

Read more about Stitt. He's great.

Why it would work: You want exciting offense, Kevin Anderson? This is your guy.

Why it wouldn't work: He's only coached at the FCS level for one year, and is anything but a proven commodity. No ties to the region and would likely need some major recruiting assistance (hello, Mike Locksley!).

Tom Herman, Houston head coach

Age: 40

Salary: $1,450,000

Head coaching record: 5-0

An Ohio native who has spent much of his coaching career in Texas, Herman turned a Broyles Award (given to the nation's top assistant) and a national title as Ohio State's offensive coordinator into a head coaching position with Houston. That's going very well so far!

Why it would work: There may not be a hotter name in coaching, and he fits all of Kevin Anderson's requirement.

Why it wouldn't: He's still in his first year at Houston, and may wait for a better opening.

Mark Hudspeth, Louisiana-Lafayette head coach

Age: 46

Salary: $1,053,156

Head coaching record: 104-39

Hudspeth has been a paragon of consistency at Lafayette, going 9-4 with a New Orleans Bowl win in each of his four seasons with the school. He was previously the head coach at Division II North Alabama, reaching the playoff semifinals five out of seven years. He's won a share of three conference titles in his time as a head coach. Hudspeth was also an assistant under Dan Mullen at Mississsippi State.

Why it would work: Has an offensive background (with strong defensive teams as a head coach), an excellent record and consistency.

Why it wouldn't: No local ties, not quite as much of an "exciting offense" reputation as other candidates.

Justin Fuente, Memphis head coach

Age: 39

Salary: $1,400,00

Head coaching record: 22-20

Remember Memphis, horrible football program? That's changed since Fuente came to town, guiding the Tigers to their first 10-win season last year since 1938. Gary Patterson's former offensive coordinator at TCU, he's one of the hottest young coaching names out there and has engineered one of the biggest turnarounds in the nation. His Tigers are 5-0 this season and look on track for a possible New Year's Day Bowl.

Why it would work: Has the track record, the offensive background and would be a splash hire for the program.

Why it wouldn't: Still relatively unproven, no local ties, and is a hot enough candidate that he could conceivably wait for a bigger job.

Matt Rhule, Temple head coach

Age: 40

Salary: $648,633

Head coaching record: 13-16

A former Penn State linebacker, Rhule joined the Temple staff in 2006 as a defensive line coach, jumping around multiple staff positions (including offensive coordinator) before one year in the NFL with the New York Giants. Temple hired Rhule as its head coach prior to the 2013 season, and after a 2-10 first season the Owls moved to 6-6 in 2014.

This year, Temple is 5-0, has one of the best defenses in the country, and is also definitely in the running for a New Year's Day bowl.

Why it would work: He's recruited well in the region and has built a Temple program strong enough to beat Penn State.

Why it wouldn't: Despite his experience as an offensive coordinator, Rhule also does not fit the "exciting offensive coach" mold.

Bo Pelini, Youngstown State head coach

Age: 47

Salary: $213,894

Head coaching record: 70-28

Y'all remember Pelini, the former Ohio State safety who spent a long time as an NFL defensive assistant before successful defensive coordinator stints with Nebraska, Oklahoma and LSU. He was hired as the Huskers' head coach before the 2008 season, losing exactly four games in each year, frustrating Nebraska to the point that he was fired despite a 67-27 record at the school.

Now, Pelini's at Youngstown State, with more wins this season than Nebraska. Funny how things work out like that.

Why it would work: He's had success coaching in the Big Ten, and would be a big hire of sorts.

Why it wouldn't: Nebraska got rid of him for a reason, and he has a defensive background.

Tommy Tuberville, Cincinnati head coach

Age: 61

Salary: $2,200,000

Head coaching record: 151-87

Tuberville's been a head coach since 1995, with stints at Ole Miss, Auburn, Texas Tech and Cincinnati. He's most known for his time at Auburn, winning 85 games in 10 years with a conference title and five years with at least a share of the division title.

He's coached a ton of NFL players, has had success at every stop and just beat Miami. At Cincinnati.

Why it would work: He certainly has the experience and offensive pedigree.

Why it wouldn't: Probably a bit older than what Maryland is shooting for.

Ken Niumatalolo, head coach, Navy

Age: 50

Salary: $1,637,803

Head coaching record: 61-36

You've surely noticed how good Navy has been over the past decade. That's been largely because of Niumatalolo, who picked up where Paul Johnson left off and made the Midshipmen one of the most potent triple-option teams in the country. Navy has made seven bowl games in his eight years at the school.

Why it would work: He's coached in the state of Maryland, and has done it really well. And his offense certainly fits the bill.

Why it wouldn't: Navy is a completely different situation, so any recruiting experience does not transfer over.

Other head coaches

Al Golden, Miami head coach

Age: 46

Salary: $2,539,315

Head coaching record: 58-58

Another former Penn State player who honed his head-coaching ability at Temple, Golden was also previously the defensive coordinator at Virginia. In the three years before Golden was hired, Temple had gone 3-31. He left after 17 wins in his final two seasons, taking the job at Miami.

While Golden's done a reasonable job with the Hurricanes, he hasn't been able to meet fan expectations. Here's his Wiki page after Miami's latest loss:

After back-to-back losses at the hands of Cincinnati Bearcats and Florida State Seminoles, the University of Miami fired Al Golden for lack of production. His terrible coaching will no doubt land him on his feet at another school, but not at the collegiate level.

Why it would work: Many, many regional ties.

Why it wouldn't: Offensive concerns, and Miami fans really don't like him right now.

Kyle Whittingham, Utah head coach

Age: 55

Salary: $2,600,000

Head coaching record: 90-43

Whittingham has been with Utah since 1994, starting as a defensive line coach before making his way up to defensive coordinator for a decade and head coach, now for over a decade. He oversaw the Utes' transition from Mountain West power to Pac-12 team and now Pac-12 power, and has an 8-1 career record in bowl games (with four top-25 finishes).

Utah's a legitimate national title contender this year, but Maryland could have a legitimate shot at swaying Whittingham away if they decide to throw down the cash for it. Utah is an Under Armour school, and there were rumors Utah might force him out after the program's best Pac-12 season yet.

Why it would work: Whittingham and his bosses at Utah have had very public disputes, and he's one of the most successful coaches in the country.

Why it wouldn't: Definitely does not fit the "exciting offense" mold, may not leave Utah (or leave for a bigger job if this continues).

Absolutely not happening, but people will talk about them anyway

Chip Kelly -- If he's forced to go back to college, there will likely be more appealing open jobs. Kelly has the caveat of "if Kevin Plank really wants him, who knows what will happen."

Jim Tressel -- Still on show-cause for another year! And he'd never do it!

Ralph Friedgen -- hahahahahahahahaha