Where Will Erickson Go Next?

(Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images)

Dennis Erickson has been around the block. Actually, Dennis Erickson has been around many blocks.

The University of Miami. The NFL. Twice. Oregon State University. University of Idaho. And now Arizona State University.

At all spots (in college, he sucks in the NFL), Erickson has been at least mildly successful. Idaho was just 4-8 in his only year there, but he restored a little excitement and pizazz around the program.

The Idaho faithful loved him, but then he broke their hearts. He's done this to many programs. Picked up and left for what he thought was a better job just as he was about to endure himself to the program.

He's now the Sun Devils, attempting to reestablish the program after coming in during his first year and rising to #4 in the rankings and then following that with a mediocre 2008 season.

But the fact still is, Arizona State is not an elite program. Therefore, you better believe Erickson will be enticed by a better job if he stabilizes the program.

Only one question remains. Which one?

His ties are mostly in the west now. So what if UCLA comes calling if Rick Neuheisel absolutely tanks it this year?

If Mike Riley finally takes advantage of his stable and steady hand at Oregon State and lands a bigger job, does Erickson take the sideways step to Beavertown?

Dan Hawkins is certainly on the hot seat in Boulder, Colorado. In fact, if he doesn't win this year then he is likely gone. That could be an intriguing spot for Erickson.

Texas Tech is another possibility, with Mike Leach and the Red Raider administration seemingly at odds over his contract situation.

Mike Gundy may get a better job offer if he continues to improve the Cowboys. Stillwater would seem pretty attractive to Erickson.

And this may be pushing too far east, but the Iowa program has gone stale in recent years under Kirk Ferentz. Chances are they'd look for a young energizer for the program, but a old, stable hand may be wanted for the Hawkeyes.

Either way, the options are out there for Erickson.

And one things certain.

When there are options, Erickson considers.

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