With Mack Brown's resignation expected in the next 48 hours, the search for his replacement is already in full swing. Texas regents have already identified their top candidates for the job, but they're treading lightly at the moment to try and keep things quiet as long as they can. From our own research and discussions with those close to the situation, here are the top candidates for the Texas job as of Wednesday evening...
5. Art Briles, Baylor Head Coach
Briles is definitely still a person of interest in the Texas coaching search, but they aren't actively pursuing him the way they're chasing the guys at the top of their list. Somewhat of a "safety" candidate, Texas movers and shakers respect his recent accomplishments, but don't see him as a high priority at the moment.
4. Jimbo Fisher, Florida State Head Coach
Fisher is another guy who isn't being chased down by Texas reps, but could become important if other candidates fall out of the race for some reason. His Seminoles are national title favorites at the moment, but it's widely accepted that there are a few jobs that could tempt him to leave Tallahassee. Texas HC is one of those positions.
3. Gus Malzahn, Auburn Head Coach
Malzahn threw his hat into the ring when he labeled the Texas spot as his "dream job". Despite his recent success, his resume doesn't quite stack up to the top two contenders at the moment. If the top two fall through, Malzahn will likely be the next guy to get the call - but his candidacy depends heavily on how the next week plays out.
2. John Harbaugh, Baltimore Ravens Head Coach
We've been hearing rumblings about Texas' potential pursuit of Harbaugh's for some time now. He isn't likely to become available unless Baltimore misses the NFL playoffs...but if that happens and Texas hasn't named a head coach yet, all bets are off. A Super Bowl winner with a sterling resume, Harbaugh reportedly wants to get away from the grind of the NFL, settle down somewhere, and start a college football dynasty. Texas has the resources to make that dream a reality.
1. Nick Saban, Alabama Head Coach
"Sources" this and "sources" that - we totally understand the skepticism about Saban at this point. That said, everything we've heard from those close to the situation indicates that Saban is the number one candidate in Austin - and the only one who's been offered the job at this point. It isn't a done deal, but Texas is very confident that Saban is their guy.
--
Additional Reading:
How Awful QB Recruiting Led to Mack Brown's Downfall At Texas
This Application for the North Dakota Coaching Job is a Work of Art
Back to the Texas Longhorns Newsfeed