Here's the latest list as of 11/4/08...
The University of Washington’s head coaching search is already underway, and the usual list of candidates is circling the Internet faster than it takes ACORN to re-register a voter. UW President Mark Emmert and AD Scott Woodward have quite a task on their hands.
The right guy brings Husky football back to its winning roots in three years, while the wrong guy sets them back yet again after the failures of Gilbertson and Willingham.
Therefore, the creation of another list, with the top 10 in no particular order other than the numbers by their names.
1. Jim Mora Jr.—Assistant Head Coach, Seattle Seahawks
Right now, he's thinking either way he's screwed with a bad team. If by some miracle he takes the job, the residents of Montlake will be so elated they’d sit through a Gilmore Girls marathon without giving a crap.
No other name would bring such excitement. No other pick would more instantly restore faith in the football program. No other pick would be better. The waiting list for season tickets would be longer than a list of bad Backstreet Boys songs.
2. Mike Leach—Head Coach, Texas Tech
It must be more than just message board chatter when Brent Musburger mentions it on the nationally televised prime time Texas-Texas Tech showdown.
Any legitimate shot may have gone out the window when Crabtree walked across the goal line Saturday night, but a couple of different sources are reporting that he's unhappy with his contract and is interested in the job. Plus with Lake Washington nearby, he'd have a perfect place to dock a pirate ship.
3. Lane Kiffin—Former Head Coach, Oakland Raiders
He's the former offensive coordinator at USC and only 33. Essentially this is the highest risk/reward pick. If he’s the guy, Emmert and Woodward will either be freakin' geniuses or blooming idiots in five years.
The Oakland job shouldn’t be held against him where Po the Panda could do a better job than Al Davis. Anyone not sold due to his less than stellar pro coaching record, see Carroll, Pete and Saban, Nick. Strong West Coast ties should help him with his chances, and since he is out of work, he’d instantly take the job and could start recruiting now.
4. Will Muschamp—Defensive Coordinator, Texas
The defensive mastermind for Texas, Auburn, and LSU. He was defensive coordinator for LSU when they won the national title while Emmert and Woodward were there. A hard-nosed, get-in-your-face type of guy whose intensity and demeanor are the opposite of Willingham, which might exactly be what the Huskies are looking for.
5. Gary Pinkel—Head Coach, Missouri
The Dawgs have a better chance at getting Gil Dobie. Why would Pinkel leave a consistently top 25 team which he’s built up where he has all the money and facilities he’d ever need? But with Chase Daniel leaving, it might be tempting to return home to Seattle with a chance to coach Jake Locker for two years.
6. Dave Christensen—Offensive Coordinator, Missouri
The offensive genius behind Missouri’s explosive offense and a former Husky in the early '80s while under the Dawgfather. He’s third in line with Husky ties but probably the most likely to get the job after Mora and Pinkel decline the offer. He’s more than just a long shot if the Huskies want to bring someone home that bleeds purple and gold.
7. Chris Petersen—Head Coach, Boise St.
Would he leave a guaranteed conference title every year where he is considered a near deity? With UW, he gets more money, more national exposure, more tyee donors, better facilities, and a major conference coaching gig. Question is, does he leave now or later for one with less rebuilding to do? It’s when, not if.
8. Brian Kelly—Head Coach, Cincinnati
A proven winner no matter where he’s been (Grand Valley St., Central Michigan, Cincinnati), a hefty pay raise and BCS conference job would be too hard to pass up. Like Petersen, does he take this job or wait for another opportunity?
9. Steve Sarkisian—Offensive Coordinator, USC
Another young (34) USC coach that is reportedly interested in the job. With strong West Coast ties as a plus, he would more than likely jump for a head coaching gig, especially at a high prominence Pac-10 school like Washington.
10. Pat Hill—Head Coach, Fresno St.
Many Husky faithful are unsold on the head man at Fresno St., who has had mediocre seasons as of late. He was more than willing to jump a few years ago, and if the previous nine decline, he’d jump on faster than a Usain Bolt chest thump.
