Ohio State Football: 5 Potential Candidates to Replace Jim Tressel

The Ohio State University's football program has had a wild last few days stemming from the resignation of head coach Jim Tressel.

Luke Fickell, co-defensive coordinator and linebackers coach under Tressel, has been promoted to head coach.

However, it remains to be seen whether Fickell is the long-term solution.

If University president Gordon Gee and Athletic Director Gene Smith decide that Fickell is not their man, then a search for a new head coach will ensue.

Follow along as we count down five potential candidates to replace Jim Tressel.

5. Mark Dantonio

Hunter Martin/Getty Images

STATE COLLEGE, PA - NOVEMBER 27: Head coach Mark Dantonio of the Michigan State Spartans stands on the sideline during a game against the Penn State Nittany Lions on November 27, 2010 at Beaver Stadium in State College, Pennsylvania. The Spartans won 28-2

Dantonio seems to be a strong candidate for the Ohio State coaching gig, having served as a graduate assistant in Columbus from 1983-84 and as defensive coordinator from 2001-2003.

His strong defensive background is an attractive attribute that will surely catch the eye of Buckeye AD Gene Smith.

However, it seems unlikely that he will take the job as reports from East Lansing have said that Michigan State trustees have confirmed his loyalty to his current job.

4. Chris Petersen

Geoff Burke/Getty Images

LANDOVER, MD - SEPTEMBER 06: Boise State Broncos head coach Chris Petersen watches from the sidelines against the Virginia Tech Hokies at FedExField on September 6, 2010 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Geoff Burke/Getty Images)

Chris Petersen has been linked to every available head coaching job in college football over the past few seasons.

That's due in large part to his 61-5 record since taking over as head coach in December 2005.

Despite all of the rumors, Petersen has always remained extremely loyal to Boise State.

That makes it unlikely that he will take the job, but you never if the big bucks Ohio State will offer would be enough to lure Petersen away from Bronco Nation.

3. Greg Schiano

Jim McIsaac/Getty Images

PISCATAWAY, NJ - OCTOBER 08: Head coach Greg Schiano of the Rutgers Scarlet Knights looks on against the Connecticut Huskies at Rutgers Stadium on October 8, 2010 in Piscataway, New Jersey. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)

Like Chris Petersen, Greg Schiano's name is a common one concerning open head coaching gigs.

Schiano's 59-63 record during his tenure at Rutgers does not reflect his coaching abilities.

He simply does not have the resources to be successful at Rutgers.

He is able to win games at the school by getting the most out of each and every player on the roster.

Perhaps the most attractive aspect about Schiano is his ability to recruit.

Current NFL players who played under Schiano at Rutgers include Colts linebacker Gary Brackett, fellow Colt and defensive tackle Eric Foster, Panthers defensive tackle Gary Gibson, Titans receiver Kenny Britt, Jaguars receiver Tiquan Underwood, and Ravens running back Ray Rice, among others.

2. Bo Pelini

Tom Pennington/Getty Images

ARLINGTON, TX - DECEMBER 04: Head coach Bo Pelini of the Nebraska Cornhuskers leads his team against the Oklahoma Sooners at Cowboys Stadium on December 4, 2010 in Arlington, Texas. The Sooners beat the Cornhuskers 23-20. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty

Bo Pelini is a hot name to take over at Ohio State due to his status as a Buckeye alum.

He was also born and raised in Youngstown, OH.

Pelini has had success at each of his coaching stops.

He is known as a defensive specialist with experience at not only the college level, but the pro level as well, having served as a linebackers coach in the NFL from 1997-2002.

Pelini also served as the defensive coordinator at Oklahoma, Nebraska, and LSU during a four-year span from 2003-2007.

His defensive units always play with tenacity and are known for completely shutting down the opposition.

1. Urban Meyer

Al Messerschmidt/Getty Images

TAMPA, FL - JANUARY 1: Coach Urban Meyer of the Florida Gators directs play against the Penn State Nittany Lions January 1, 2010 in the 25th Outback Bowl at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Al Messerschmidt/Getty Images)

Urban Meyer may have claimed his loyalty to his job at ESPN, but there seems to be an overarching notion that he will get back into coaching.

And what a perfect fit he would be at Ohio State.

Meyer would have all the resources in the world just like he did at Florida.

Also, he would be able to win right away because of the roster which is already brimming with talent.

Expect to hear "Meyer to Ohio State" rumors pick up more momentum in the coming weeks and months.