CSNbbs

I am bored and was thinking about a hypothetical what if situation. Say your university was to lose your head football coach for some reason. What realistic candidate would you want to see hired to replace them?

Coaches like Saban or head coaches at larger schools are not realistic nor are NFL coordinators and head coaches.

I’ll start, my candidates would be...

Vince Marrow, associate head coach Kentucky (knows the area and is a strong motivator at Kentucky and a legendary recruiter).

Mike Stoops, former Arizona head coach and Oklahoma defensive coordinator. (Big name who would be a coup for a MAC level program with strong ties to Ohio.)

Tom Manning, offensive coordinator Iowa State (ISU has one of the most trendy offenses in college football and Manning has ties to the MAC and the state of Ohio.)

Brady Hoke, defensive line coach San Diego State (Has had success in the MAC before. Strong recruiter, and some name recognition)

Ron Zook, former head coach at Florida and Illinois (A random choice I know but he did get the Illini to a Rose Bowl. He was a solid recruiter and like Stoops/Hoke could look at the MAC as a Frank Solich type of career move.

Ed Wariner, Michigan offensive line coach (Years and years coaching in the Midwest. Strong year coaching Michigan’s offensive line.)

Matt Canada, former interim head coach of Maryland (Did an okay job with the Terps after Durkin was ran out of town. Longtime coordinator who has spent time in the conference at NIU.)

I wanted James Madison's coach, Mike Houston, who left after this past season for East Carolina
I also wanted North Dakota St's coach, Chris Klieman, who left after this past season for Kansas St

Now that they don't qualify:
Kirk Ciarrocca at Minnesota
Ed Pinkham at Arkansas St
Brady Hoke at San Diego St
Any top FCS head coach

Completely agree on Ron Zook and Matt Canada. Canada’s job last year speaks for itself (errant throw on 2-pt conversion from beating Ohio St). Zook took Illinois to 3 bowls in his last 5 years topped by a Rose Bowl. That’s a golden age compared to post-Zook era.

And Bielema going to 3 Rose Bowls is overlooked too. Fired coaches can often be underrated. Ohio did well hiring Solich and a MAC school would do well with Zook/Canada/Bielema. Better odds than a first timer, IMO.

Kevin Wilson: Current OSU Co-OC, former IU coach (also was a Miami assistant under Randy Walker), current OSU Co-OC. Overachieved at Indiana, though his treatment of players there that led to his firing was sketchy.

Deland McCullough: Current KC Chiefs RB Coach, former Miami RB. Zero coordinator or head coach experience however.

Bo Pelini: Current Youngstown State coach, former Nebraska coach. Hasn't done much at YSU outside of one season however.

Darin Hinshaw: Current Kentucky Co-OC, former UC passing coordinator.

Tony Annese, Ferris State HC.

Chip Long OC at Notre Dame...he was Mike Norvell's OC his first season at Memphis.