College Football: The Next 5 Coaches to Bolt for Greener Pastures

Heading into the 2011 season, college football will see 23 coaches in new positions. What coaches will be on that list in 2012?

The most common type of coaching change occurs after a coach leads a small school to a terrific year. When the head of a team can do "more with less," it is a good sign that the BCS schools will have an eye on him.

It happened last year after Todd Graham led the University of Tulsa to a 10-3 and a finish in the top 25. Pittsburgh immediately jumped on Graham, and signed him to replace Dave Wannstedt, who bolted to the NFL. 

It happens every year.

So what coaches are primed to lead their school to a terrific year, and then bolt for green pastures? 

Troy Calhoun, Air Force

The former Houston Texans offensive coordinator became the Air Force head coach in 2007, and has been successful every year for the Falcons.

Under Calhoun, Air Force has won at least eight games in each of the last four years, and has made a bowl ever year. Calhoun has a career 34-18 record.

You have to think that if Calhoun leads Air Force to another nine or 10-win season, he might start weighing his options. Whether the NFL comes calling again, or a BCS school asks for his services, Troy Calhoun might be on his way out in 2012.  

Ken Niumatalolo, Navy

Ken Niumatalolo took over for Paul Johnson in the 2007 Poinsettia Bowl, and after that, he has led the Midshipmen to a 27-14 record in threes, including their second 10-win season in school history.

While Paul Johnson turned Navy's program around, Niumatalolo was the there during that turnaround as the offensive line coach, and since Johnson's departure, Niumatalolo has managed to keep the program in the national spotlight.

If Niumatalolo puts together another stellar season ending with a bowl win, it wouldn't be surprising to see him follow the path of Johnson, and take a job at higher program.   

Bronco Mendenhall, BYU

Despite leading BYU to a disappointing 7-6 record last year, Bronco Mendenhall has compiled a fantastic 56-21 record during his tenure with the Cougars.

At 45, Mendenhall is still young and could go on to bigger and better things. If he produces another top-notch season at BYU, bigger programs might come calling, such as UCLA did for Mendenhall a few years ago.  

Kyle Whittingham, Utah

Kyle Whittingham has been with the University of Utah since 1994, but he has been head coach since 2005.

As head coach, Whittingham has led the Utes to a 58-20 record, including an undefeated 2008 season. While some may argue that he doesn't go up against the stiffest competition, he has also dealt with less talent than the top BCS schools. 

If Whittingham proves that he can compete in the Pac-12 this year, he might decide to accept an offer from a top-tier program. 

Butch Davis, North Carolina

Despite never having the best talent to work with, Butch Davis has put together three straight eight-win seasons.

Add in the fact that he had to deal with multiple suspensions to top players last year, and his resume is much more impressive. 

Davis has shown that he can be successful at a top program, as he led Miami to a 51-20 record in the late-90s. 

If another high-level program comes calling, expect Davis to switch schools in 2012.