UNLV's Next Coach?

Dennis Franchione, 58

N/A

It's been confirmed that Franchione has expressed his interest to UNLV directly, and the administration would be crazy not to give him an interview. He's turned around two programs in the MWC — New Mexico (1992-97) and TCU (1998-2000) — and had a successful two-year run at Alabama. His exit from Texas A&M in 2007 had a controversial twist to it, but the guy can flat-out coach. He has the itch, and he could do wonders with the talent already in place at UNLV. The kicker? His son, Brad, is the head coach at Blinn College in Texas, which is regularly one of the most well-stocked jucos in terms of football talent.

There will always be concerns, despite his age, that he could jump for a better opportunity if things go well early on. But, again, at 58 years old, he could also just as easily make this his final coaching destination.

4:1

Dirk Koetter, 50

Offensive Coordinator, Jacksonville Jaguars (NFL)

Took Boise State from obscurity to national prominence in late '90s, has a sharp mind has a track record for putting together prolific college offenses that is beyond impressive. If he's looking for a chance at redemption in the collegiate ranks, UNLV could be a good fit.

He's proven that his coaching chops are good enough to keep him employed in the NFL for as long as possible, so why take the risk? Also, would he leave UNLV if he succeeded early? Or, at 50 years old, would he stick around for the long haul? Plus, with the Jags still in playoff contention, how early could he be available? He may have bit off more than he could chew at Arizona State, but if he jumped back to the college ranks would he want a BCS conference program again?

6:1

Ty Willingham, 55

N/A

Rumored to have already contacted UNLV. Since fading away following his departure from Washington after the 2008 season, it sounds as if he has the itch to get back into the game ... badly.

Say what you will about his ousting at Notre Dame in 2004, but four seasons of minimal results at Washington tarnished his luster in the coaching ranks quite a bit. Does he still have the want-to or ability?

12:1

Andy Ludwig

Offensive Coordinator / Quarterbacks Coach, Cal

Highly-regarded offensive coordinator who helped lead Utah to a BCS bowl victory. Sound familiar? However, as opposed to Mike Sanford, who was a position coach for much of his career, Ludwig has a long list of success stories as an offensive coordinator, including stops at Oregon (2002-04), Fresno State (1998-01) and currently Cal.

Sure, he's been a finalist for several postseason coordinator awards in recent years, but Ludwig has no head coaching experience on his resumé. Plus, boosters and fans might be hesitant about another coach without experience on the defensive side of the football.

35:1

Dan Hawkins, 49

Head Coach, Colorado

The rumors are swirling faster and faster as the weeks go by that Hawkins will be bought out from his contract at Colorado following this season. But there also are stories floating around that CU is having a tough time coming up with the money to do so. If Hawkins finds himself out of work, UNLV makes sense. After Koetter left for Arizona State, Hawkins made it work in Boise. He's still relatively young and brings good energy to the table. He also recruits California very well.

Does he want to jump right back into another position if he's let go in Boulder? He'll get a hefty buyout if he does, so taking a sabbatical might not be completely out of the question.

45:1

Jeff Jagodzinski, 46

N/A

Jagodzinski won't be out of work for long. Let go as the Tampa Bay Buccanneers' offensive coordinator before the season, he was fired by Boston College after interviewing for the New York Jets' head coaching spot. Still, he's a proven success as a head coach. In those two seasons at BC, he was 20-8 and helped develop current young NFL star QB Matt Ryan.

He's never coached west of the Mississippi River, so ties to the area — especially in recruiting — appear to be minimal.

60:1

Pat Hill, 57

Head coach, Fresno State

In his 13th season at FSU, Hill has produced nine winning campaigns — he's on pace this season for a 10th — and earned the Bulldogs a reputation as a mid-major threat, year in and year out. Obviously, that would make him attractive in Las Vegas. His recruiting ties in California are beyond strong, too. He also coached at UNLV previously as an offensive coordinator from 1981-82.

Of course, the only way Hill would come to UNLV is if he were to be fired at Fresno State. His team is 6-4 right now, so FSU might be crazy to do that.

75:1

Dick Jauron, 59

N/A

Jauron was fired this week from his head coaching post with the Buffalo Bills. How fast does he want to be working again? Like Fassel, does he want back in the college ranks?

He's never coached college ball. Don't expect that to start now.

500:1

Charlie Weis, 53

N/A

It's widely assumed that following his recent firing from Notre Dame, Charlie Weis is probably headed back to the NFL to be an offensive coordinator. Can't fault the guy. But, heck, the six wins he posted each of the past two seasons in South Bend which were deemed not good enough? UNLV would kill to achieve that.

UNLV or the NFL? UNLV or the NFL? Hmmm. You decide.

5,000:1