With a likely opening at USF, all eyes turn to Alabama for the coach to replace Willie Taggart, reportedly on his way to Oregon.
That's because speculation about the Bulls' next coach will certainly include Crimson Tide offensive coordinator Lane Kiffin and offensive line coach Mario Cristobal.
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The opening in talent-rich Florida — albeit in a Group of 5 conference — also could draw the interest of former Texas and Louisville coach Charlie Strong as well as former Bucs coach Greg Schiano.
Meanwhile, rising star P.J. Fleck, who has led Western Michigan to a 13-0 record, remains a possibility, though he might be looking for a Power 5 job.
One current player, quarterback Brett Kean, said via Twitter that he hopes the USF administration looks at the current staff.
If it is true, just want to say thank you for everything @CoachTaggart ... really hope USF keeps some of these coaches around #GoBurrs 🤘🏼🐂
— Brett Kean (@bkeanqb4) December 7, 2016
Whoever gets the job inherits a program that Taggart built into a 10-2 team in 2016, the first 10-win season in the program's 20-year history.
USF will be competing against American foe Houston for a coach that will excite the fan base.
