The season isn’t over yet, but Texas hasn’t had the season they would’ve hoped for before it started. This may mean that Tom Herman may be fired. If that is the case, here are five potential head coach candidates for the Texas Longhorns.
5. P.J. Fleck
It is only a matter of time before P.J. Fleck gets a big-time job. He has been at Minnesota since 2017. He successfully completed a turnaround of the program, as the Golden Gophers went 11-2 with a win over Auburn in the Outback Bowl last season. This season has been a disaster, but after already proving to be able to rebuild both Minnesota and Western Michigan, Fleck will still be a hot name in the coaching market.
Fleck doesn’t have experience in the state of Texas, which could hold back recruiting against some of the other top schools in the state. He is a great coach though, who with time could build the recruiting relationships needed to succeed at Texas.
4. Luke Fickell
This past offseason, Fickell turned down the Michigan State job to return to Cincinnati. It appears to be a good decision, as the Bearcats are undefeated and ranked seventh in the CFP Committee rankings as of now. This all comes after going 4-8 in his first season with the school. Their defense is built in the image of Fickell and they are one of the best in the country.
Like Fleck, Fickell doesn’t have major recruiting ties to Texas, but he did help Ohio State recruit the state well during his time with the Buckeyes. His defensive mindset would be refreshing in the Big 12. Texas could always shell out to get one of the best offensive coordinators available to complement Fickell’s defensive style.
3. Urban Meyer
Could Texas lure Urban Meyer away from his job at Fox Sports? They are one of the few schools that could. Meyer is one of the best coaches of his generation and has been successful at every stop. He has won championships at Florida and Ohio State to along with successful stints at Utah and Bowling Green.
Meyer has proven to be able to win anywhere across the country. He recruited Texas well when he was at Ohio State. If Texas were able to get Meyer, it would be more surprising if things didn’t up being successful for the Longhorns. After two hires that didn’t live up to their expectations, Texas may shell out to get a proven coach like Meyer.
2. Matt Campbell
Iowa State is a program that not many would have expected to be in the Big 12 Championship just a few years ago. Matt Campbell has totally changed the narrative about the Cyclones. His first season was 2016, when he went 3-9. Since that point, he has posted all winning records. This year, Iowa State sits atop the Big 12 with a 7-2 overall record.
Campbell beat Texas this year and has found success in the Big 12. He had experience coaching in Ohio before Iowa State, but adapted well to recruiting in the state. Campbell will likely be able to do the same thing at Texas if given the job.
1. Steve Sarkisian
Offensive coordinator Steve Sarkisian has helped the Crimson Tide have one of the best offenses in the country over the last few years. He also has experience as a head coach at both Washington and USC. Over his seven seasons as a head coach, Sarkisian posted a 46-35 record.
Sarkisian also has some things that Texas will have to look into before hiring him. He had numerous incidents relating to alcohol at Washington and was fired at USC after a leave of absence due to him reportedly showing up intoxicated and missing practice. His time at Alabama should not only help him prove that he can handle the job, but also that he can coach well on the offensive end. As of the firing of Tom Herman, Sarkisian is rumored to have the job.
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