Next Tennessee Football Coach? Your Guess Is As Good As Mine...

What an interesting choice Tennessee athletic director Mike Hamilton has to make. He just fired the most successful UT coach not named Neyland in the history of the University.

Now what does he do for an encore? Hire someone who, No. 1, can turn the program around; No. 2, satisfy a rabid fan base; and, No. 3, can recruit like nobody's business.

With a handful of potential candidates already declining (Butch Davis, Jon Gruden, and Bill Cowher), the list is becoming rather intriguing. I understand that just because someone says "No," it does not really mean "No." Just ask Nick Saban.

But with that being said, I personally think Mike Leach is the top guy that Hamilton wants to land. For all his crazy quirks, and ridiculous offensive prowess I certainly do not think he would be a bad hire. I do not, however, think he'd be the best hire.

I believe you have to look at Brian Kelly of Cincinnati long and hard. This guy has been a winner every place he's coached, including two national titles at the Division 2 level. For those of you Vol Basketball fans, this resume sounds eerily familiar to that of one Bruce Pearl (the guy that seemingly turned the Vols basketball program around overnight). I think Brian Kelly has to be choice No. 1.

The second choice in my mind is Tim Brewster. This guy has does not have the tremendous amount of head coaching experience that Kelly has, but he is an excellent recruiter and has turned Minnesota's fledgling program around in just two short seasons. He was with Mack Brown at UNC and at Texas before going to the NFL and then to Minnesota. Anyone who "grew up" under Brown has to have a good grasp on football.

Third in my order of priority would be the aforementioned Leach. I, along with many others, do not believe he would fit in at Knoxville. Not a great media guy, and actually by most accounts kind of weird.

The fourth man in consideration should be Will Muschamp. Forget his ties to Georgia and the fact that he played there. Forget how he abruptly left Auburn for Texas. This guy is fiery and exactly what the Vols have needed in the past. I just don't think you can replace a legend with an assistant coach.

Finally, rounding out my top five is Lane Kiffin. Another tremendous recruiter. Of course, when you are recruiting to USC, I assume anyone could be considered "tremendous." He had some tough luck in the NFL, but Al Davis will never be confused as a "career maker." Kiffin's likable personality and offensive style could really help UT, but the fact that his only head coaching experience ended at five wins and 15 losses could certainly point in the other direction.

With all that said, I have absolutely no clue who the next coach will be at the University of Tennessee. As a fan I will hope for Kelly or Brewster, but will support whomever Hamilton chooses. Let's just hope he chooses soon...