The Post Tressel Era: Who's Next In Line?

Once again, the nation is reminded of how fickle OSU’s fans really are.

The Buckeye’s came into last week's contest with Purdue as a 13-point favorite. They left as an 8-point underdog.

I watched this Buckeye blunder in a room filled with scarlet-and-gray-clad fans, and within five minutes of kickoff they were screaming for Tressel’s head.  The same head that has won seven of the last eight games against the hated Wolverines and broke OSU’s drought of 34 years without a national championship.

Being the head coach of almost any big time college program comes with the understanding that it is a “What have you done for me lately?” situation.

Yes, Tressel has lost miserably in big games recently (most notably, back-to-back BCS title games). However, Texas (2008 Fiesta Bowl) and USC (2009) both needed fourth- quarter comebacks to overcome the Buckeyes.

Let's say these “moral victories” aren’t enough and OSU goes on to loose another three to four games this season. Is Buckeye Nation prepared to impeach The Senator and start over with someone else? Let's take a look at whom we might have to fill the position.

The Dark Horse Candidates

Chris Spielman: Spielman was an OSU linebacker from 1984-88 and was interviewed in 2001 for the head coach position that was filled by Tressel. Chris wants the job, but what has changed from 2001 to now that warrants the hire?

Mark Snyder: Snyder was an OSU assistant from 2001-04 and is the current head coach of Marshall in Conference USA. With an overall record of 16-31 at Marshall, it would be his ties to OSU that would probably get him an interview.

Glen Mason: Mason was an OSU assistant from 1978-85 and had a 123-121-1 record as head coach at Minnesota. He was heavily considered during the 2001 interviews, but has had a lackluster coaching career.

Darrell Hazell: Hazell has been on the OSU staff since 2004. He currently is an OSU assistant coach who acts as the “Game Planner/ Pseudo OC” for the Bucks this season. It’s been rumored that he may make the jump to a MAC school to build a more competitive resume.

Luke Fickell: Fickell was a linebacker from 1992-96 for the Bucks and currently is co-defensive coordinator. He has been on staff since 1999 and was almost poached last year by Charlie Wies and Notre Dame. He needs more head coaching experience. Once he gains that, he will make an excellent choice.

The Trendy Picks

Nick Saban: Saban was an OSU assistant from 1980-81 and is currently the head coach at Alabama. He already has won a BCS National Championship and knows what it takes to excel at a high level. The problem with Saban is a two-headed one: 1. How much can OSU pay him? 2. Why would he leave such a rich recruiting area to return to OSU?

Pete Carroll: Carroll was an OSU assistant in 1979 and currently is the head coach of the USC Trojans. He has won or shared two national titles during his tenure there. Unlike Saban, Carroll plays in a conference similar in difficulty to the Big Ten and would be less likely to leave the football-rich state of California.

Urban Meyer: Meyer was an OSU assistant from 1986-87 and is the current head coach of the Florida Gators. He has won two BCS National Championships during his tenure with the Gators, one against OSU. Rumors have him going to both Notre Dame and OSU. As of right now, he would be the first choice of Buckeye Nation.

Jon Gruden: Gruden is an Ohio native familiar with Ohio State’s program. He is also rumored to be going to Notre Dame. He won the Super Bowl with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2002. OSU may benefit by Notre Dame snagging him first and observing if he can be successful in college football with his coaching style.

The Moderate Choices

Brian Kelly: Kelly is currently the head coach of the Cincinnati Bearcats and is gaining a lot of attention by both the fans and the Columbus media. Sending the Bearcats into a BCS bowl and gaining a victory will go a long way for Coach Kelly if he has aspirations of coaching the Buckeyes.

Mark Dantonio: Dantonio was an OSU assistant from 1983-84 and the Bucks defensive coordinator from 2001-03. He is currently the head coach at Michigan State and has an overall record of 38-30. He understands the pressures of coaching at Ohio State and should be well prepared for the situation.

Bo Pelini: Pelini was a starting safety for the Bucks from 1987-90. He was the defensive coordinator on the 2008 LSU Tiger team that beat OSU in the BCS National Championship. He currently is the head coach of Nebraska and has done a very impressive job of resurrecting a floundering program.

I don’t think we’re going to see The Vest heading off into the sunset anytime soon.

It’s probably as likely as getting a few of the guys mentioned above to come in for an interview. This would become especially difficult if the job they are interviewing for opens up because the fans and university ran out the current coach.

Patience is something not many Buckeye fans have. They’re going to have to learn some for the time being.