Will Muschamp the most widely sought name in 2014 coaching carousel

Not surprisingly, the hottest name in 2014’s coaching season is also one of the recently terminated. Will Muschamp’s departure from Florida has been met with aggressive demand by at least two SEC schools and a group of other programs. Muschamp is still considered one of the best defensive coordinators in the college game, regardless of Florida’s slow decline during his tenure as head coach.

A source familiar with Muschamp describes the coach as seeking a spot similar to that of current Alabama offensive coordinator Lane Kiffin, himself fired from a prominent head coaching gig and looking to rehab his resume as a coordinator at a major program. At 43, Muschamp is still in the prime of his career and could easily grab another major head coaching job, if he makes the right next step

But which job would best suit Muschamp? I’ve ranked the four most likely scenarios by fit and probability.

1. Auburn

Rivals is reporting that the offer has already been made, a deal that would bring Muschamp to Gus Malzahn’s staff for $1.5 million a year.

BOOM: Of the open SEC defensive coordinator positions, this one is the most attractive. Muschamp knows the area and held the job in 2006 and 2007. It’s close to his family home in Georgia. Auburn can recruit against anyone in a state and region loaded with defensive talent, and he’d be supported by a high-scoring offense. If Muschamp is looking for a Kiffin gig, The Plains would best fit that description.

MOTHERF%CKER: Philosophy is the biggest issue, both on and off the field. Muschamp isn’t fond of working alongside an up-tempo offense; he did it as Auburn DC for one game alongside Tony Franklin at Auburn in 2007’s bowl. As for the day-to-day culture, the tone Malzahn sets is considerably ... toned down, compared to Muschamp’s. That doesn’t matter if you’re a young assistant looking to climb the ranks, but Muschamp has been the man before.

2. Florida State, or anywhere Jimbo Fisher goes

Fisher and Muschamp are the closest of friends -- and real estate investors -- having worked together under Nick Saban. The favorite rumor among coaches is that if -- and it’s a substantial “if” -- Les Miles ever leaves LSU (Hail to those victors!), Jimbo would be the first pick for the Tigers. Plus LSU athletic director Joe Alleva is a Muschamp fan.

BOOM: Hey, how about totally dominating the Sunshine State in recruiting or making really strong inroads on a pair of five-star defensive ends? Muschamp knows this potential boss better than anyone else. He could coach defense without the worry of pacing a hurry-up or air raid.

MOTHERF%CKER: Muschamp likes Jeremy Foley, the man who just fired him, and Foley feels the same way.

“If Foley had to pick any defensive coordinator in the world for his new offensive head coach, it will be Will Muschamp, if he hadn’t just fired him,” one coach said.

To jump to the in-state rival in the heart of recruiting season would create a ferocious amount of bad blood and strained relations, especially if Muschamp’s former staff stays in Gainesville (specifically, defensive coordinator D.J. Durkin and defensive backs coach Travaris Robinson).

3. Another head coaching job

He’s not on the shortlist in Ann Arbor and wouldn’t bother with a mid-major like Tulsa, but it’s December 3, and the carousel is far from stopping. When news momentarily surfaced that Nebraska was interested in Bret Bielema, Muschamp was the first name thrown out by sources at Arkansas. He was thought to be the runner-up to the Razorbacks’ job when Bobby Petrino was hired in 2007. Former Hogs athletic director Frank Broyles is a fan as well.

BOOM: A head coaching job might be the ticket to rehab Muschamp’s career immediately. But it would have to be a position at a power-conference school with less immediate pressure, a decent enough roster, and a three- to five-year commitment.

MOTHERF%CKER: Bielema isn’t leaving Arkansas, and Nebraska just fired a coach who won nine games. Not to mention that the hypothetical job described above is basically a myth and isn’t open right now anyway. Maybe if Virginia had fired Mike London? Maybe. According to a source, a place like Kansas wouldn’t appeal to Muschamp, who wants to stay closer to the South.

4. Texas A&M: Kevin Sumlin fired defensive coordinator Mark Snyder following the Aggies’ regular season-ending loss to LSU.

BOOM: It’s Texas, so it’s beyond recruitable. It’s Kevin Sumlin, so it’s an “aggressive but informal” staff culture, according to a SEC assistant. That’s a descriptor fit for Muschamp’s tombstone.

MOTHERF%CKER: It’s Texas, where Muschamp fought politics and a statewide culture of seven-on-seven offense when he was in Austin. And as with Malzahn’s hurry-up no-huddle, Sumlin’s air raid can tax a coordinator. Not to mention the Aggies return less talent on defense than Auburn, making A&M a longer and potentially more difficult rebuild.