Predicting 2012 Landing Spots for College Football's Fired Head Coaches

This season in college football, there have been a ton of head coaches fired. It's always been a tough business to survive in, and if you don't produce, there is a great chance your head will be on the chopping block.

While there have been several solid coaches fired, there is a good chance that they will find a job elsewhere. Just because it didn't work out at one program doesn't mean a coaching career is over.

Here are a few coaches who were fired this season and a prediction for where they will end up next year.

Houston Nutt

Houston Nutt didn't cut it in the SEC at Ole Miss and was let go at the end of the season. His 24-26 record wasn't good enough for the Rebels, and he wasn't able to make a bowl game his last two seasons.

Nutt could end up in Memphis, as that program has really taken a hit over the years. He would make the university more appealing to major conferences and has an undefeated record against C-USA teams.

Nutt could instantly come in and help recruiting and help get this Memphis team back to a bowl game.

Rick Neuheisel

Rick Neuheisel was fired from UCLA after going 21-28 and only reaching one bowl game. He is a solid offensive coach, but the Bruins could just never get going with him.

Despite his horrible record, he was still able to secure a top recruiting class in 2009.

Somebody will hire him and if I had to guess, I'd say Ole Miss. They need some direction on offense and could really use some better recruiting, as this year's class is terrible. 

Mike Stoops

Mike Stoops being let go by Arizona was actually one of the most surprising firings of this season. Sure, he went 41-50, but I'm not sure the Wildcats will find anyone better right now.

Stoops did do great work for Arizona, including leading them to three straight bowl games and several victories over ranked opponents.

It's being reported that Stoops has been offered the defensive coordinator position at Ohio State. If he accepts, it just won't be fair for other Big Ten schools.

Ron Zook

I know many people don't like Ron Zook, but the guy is a phenomenal recruiter everywhere he has gone. He had a winning record at Florida and made Illinois respectable, despite a losing record with them. 

The guy recruits with the best of them and if I'm UCLA, I'm on the phone with him right now. There is really nobody else out there who could bring in the guys that Zook can. You want to compete with USC and Oregon?

Zook is the man for the Bruins.