Arizona State Football: Dark Horse Coach Candidates to Replace Dennis Erickson

Now that the Arizona State Sun Devils have fired head coach Dennis Erickson after five years, they will need to look to replace him. With the Sun Devils, Erickson had an overall record of 31-30, including a conference record of 21-25.

Following a major collapse during the 2011 season, which saw the Sun Devils start out 5-1 and finish 1-5, the school will be looking to for a new coach for 2012.

While many hope that the Sun Devils will sign a big name coach like Houston's Kevin Sumlin, there is a chance that they may decide that a smaller name may be the best route this time around.

With instate rival Arizona Wildcats signing Rich Rodriguez to be their new head coach, the Sun Devils may feel obliged to sign a big name.

If they don't, these smaller-time names could potentially be running the Sun Devil sidelines in 2012.

Larry Fedora

At 49 years old, University of Southern Miss head coach Larry Fedora could be on his way to a bigger job. The four-year head coach has led the Eagles to a 32-19 record under his lead. 

Fedora would bring a new style of play and could potentially help increase the Sun Devils' recruiting efforts into the East.

The only question is if Fedora would be interested in leaving Southern Miss. The team is currently ranked No. 24 and has a record of 10-2. He certainly has seen a lot of success, but he could have even greater success facing the Pac-12.

While playing in Conference USA allows Fedora and the Eagles to have a much easier schedule, a move to the Pac-12 will allow Fedora to prove that he can challenge teams like USC, Oregon and Stanford.

Luke Fickell

With the recent hiring of Urban Meyer, the Ohio State Buckeyes removed one-year head coach Luke Fickell from his position.

In doing so, they asked him if he would stay on staff as an assistant coach. While the Buckeyes may feel this will put a rest to their conscience, there is no doubt that this could be a slap in the face to Fickell.

If Fickell decides to leave, as he should, the Sun Devils should give him a look. If there was one place where the Sun Devils failed towards the end of this season, it was on defense.

Fickell was actually the defensive coordinator under Jim Tressel. The Buckeyes have always been a strong defensive team, so there is no reason to doubt what Fickell could do.

Most importantly, he is familiar with the Big Ten. Over the next few seasons, the Sun Devils will be playing the Wisconsin Badgers, Illinois Fighting Illini and Notre Dame Fighting Irish (not in the Big Ten, but close enough). Fickell would give the Sun Devils more of an advantage since he knows how to approach a game against these teams.

Paul Chryst

Paul Chryst is the offensive coordinator for the Wisconsin Badgers. Before joining Wisconsin, he was the offensive coordinator for the Oregon State Beavers from 2003-04. While with the Beavers, he was able to run a dangerous pass and rush offense, which averaged 463 yards per game during the 2003 season.

Chryst has shown that he is capable of running a Pac-12-style offense, and he could be ready to take the next step in the coaching ranks and become a head coach. Although Wisconsin is his alma mater, it is unlikely that they will be replacing head coach Bret Bielema anytime soon.

Chryst has run effective offenses at both Oregon State and Wisconsin, and perhaps he could continue to his run of success in leading the Arizona State Sun Devils.

Mark Helfrich

If you can't beat them, join them.

Mark Helfrich is currently the Oregon Ducks' offensive coordinator. There is no doubt what effect the Ducks offense has had over the years, and any team would like to get a piece of that.

While many would rightfully associate the offense's success to head coach Chip Kelly, there is no doubt that Helfrich would be able to implement such a system at Arizona State.

The Sun Devils have the weapons needed, with a mobile quarterback in Brock Osweiler and a utility player in Jamal Miles. They would need to add pieces, but there is no doubt that Helfrich would be able to turn the Sun Devils into a high-powered offense.

Pat Fitzgerald

The Arizona State Sun Devils want to go young, and there is no better option than Northwestern Wildcats head coach Pat Fitzgerald. Fitzgerald is only 36 years old, but he has been the head coach at Northwestern since 2006.

Since taking over the Wildcats, Fitzgerald has an overall record of 40-35. Recently, the Wildcats have had many mediocre years, so it may be time to make a change at the helm. 

There are a few other perks to Fitzgerald. For one, his 2011 team has only recorded 48 penalties. That's half as many as the Sun Devils have committed this season. The other plus to signing Fitzgerald is similar to Chryst and Fickell in that he has experience playing against the Big Ten.

Arizona State needs every win, and his experience against Midwestern teams could greatly benefit the Sun Devils when they are playing in those games.

Jeff Chase is from Chicago and is an undergrad at Arizona State University. He currently is interning with B/R and is in the process of becoming a Featured Columnist for Arizona State football.

More Sun Devils Articles by Jeff Chase:

Sun Devils Likely Heading to Vegas

Why Vontaze Burfict Must Stay in 2012

What the Sun Devils Must do to Compete in 2012

Dennis Erickson Replacement Candidates