The Big House Blog Crystal Ball: Looking at Coaching Vacancies

So, with the season over for some teams and coming to an end for others, I thought it would be a good time to get out the Crystal Ball and predict who might fill some of the current high-profile coaching vacancies around the country.

Washington

Was rumored to have offered the job to Texas coordinator Will Muschamp before he became the head coach in-waiting for the Longhorns. I still think they will go after Jim Mora before he becomes the Seahawks' coach in a few months.  However, they likely won't get Mora because the dollars in the NFL are just too large.

That leaves my predicition: Utah coach Kyle Whittingham would be a good fit for the Huskies. Of course, his name is similar to Tyrone Willingham, which could cause some confusion. (look for Brian Kelly to become an option if the below rumor happens)

Tennessee

I think it's a toss up between Brian Kelly and Lane Kiffin for this job. Internet reports are out today that say it's Lane, which would be a good hire for the Volunteers.

Lane was known as a good recruiter at USC and could be at Tennessee for the next 20 years.

My prediction: Lane Kiffin

Clemson

In addition to Kiffin, Clemson has interviewed Virginia Tech defensive coordinator Bud Foster and Oklahoma defensive coordinator Brent Venables. But I don't see a real good fit for the Tigers with any of these candidates.

The Board of Trustees held an executive session by teleconference this morning to discuss "a personnel matter."  I assume they are close to hiring a new head coach.

My prediction: Current interim coach Dabo Swinney (especially if they get a win over South Carolina this weekend).

Kansas State

Hired it's old coach, 69-year-old Bill Synder.

Syracuse

I believe will hire Ball State's Brady Hoke, who will be featured on ESPN 2 tonight against Western Michigan.

Buffalo's Turner Gill would be my second choice for the Orangemen.

Eastern Michigan

I don't consider this a high-profile job, but it's in Ann Arbor's backyard and former Michigan coach Lloyd Carr is helping in the search.

Look for former Michigan assistants to get some consideration.  Mike DeBord (didn't do so well at Central), Ron English, the Wolverines' former defensive coordinator who now holds the same position at Louisville, and current Michigan running backs coach Fred Jackson will likely all receive calls from Carr.

As a dark horse for the job, don't forget about Detroit Lions QB coach Scot Loeffler.