COMMENTARY

By Matt Hayes

updated 5:01 p.m. ET Oct. 26, 2004

Ron Zook is out as coach at Florida, and one of the nation's most prominent jobs should attract some big names. Here's a look at the top candidates:

Steve Spurrier, former Florida coach: Why not? Spurrier elevated the program to unprecedented success his first time in Gainesville. The Gators are loaded from three consecutive big recruiting classes, and Spurrier could win a few more SEC titles with this group. The problem is, Spurrier has an ego — a big ego. He doesn't want to be seen as a coach who failed in the NFL, which means it is more likely he'll take one more shot there — say, with the Dolphins — before retiring for good.

Bob Stoops, Oklahoma: Still owns a home in Crescent Beach, about 90 minutes from Gainesville. His family loves Florida and there wouldn't be a more galvanizing hire — including Spurrier — for the players and a rabid fan base. But why would he leave a monster of a program he has built in Oklahoma?

COLLEGE FOOTBALL More on Florida's coaching change Spurrier reportedly eyes return Ask the Expert: Gators will rally behind fired coach Glier: Don't beg Spurrier to return TSN: Plenty of candidates for job Pells: No-win situation for Zook Florida players question firing Web site part of Zook's legacy More on college football

Urban Meyer, Utah: A natural selection, and likely the first serious candidate. A fantastic recruiter and motivator, and one of the best game day coaches in the nation. Florida president Bernie Machen was president at Utah two years ago, and hired Meyer to rebuild the Utes. Two key reasons to leave: Meyer would at least triple his current salary ($600,000) and would be coaching in a BCS league — with a team loaded with talent.

Jeff Tedford, California: Has some issues with the pace of California's stated goals of rebuilding aging Memorial Stadium and the surrounding facilities. His salary could increase to at least $2 million-plus, but he would be competing and recruiting in a significantly tougher conference. Another issue: he's a West Coast guy. When he was offensive coordinator at Oregon, he was offered the offensive coordinator job with the Tampa Bay Bucs and turned it down, in part, because he wanted to stay on the West Coast.

Dan Hawkins, Boise State: Has exactly what Florida athletic director Jeremy Foley wants: A wide-open offense and daring game day acumen. Hawkins is big on the psychological aspects of the game and reinforcing details and fundamentals — a stark contrast to the previous seasons under Zook. Boise is one of the best success stories in college football. Imagine what Hawkins could do with the talent at Florida.

Mike Leach, Texas Tech: Runs the pass-happy offense Florida fans crave, but his teams struggle in big games and occasionally lose games they shouldn't. Maybe it's the talent level at Tech — or maybe it's the hands-off, player-friendly coaching philosophy that Zook used. Players can love you, but more than anything, they must respect you.

Tim Murphy, Harvard: Believe it or not, he was on the short list when Spurrier abruptly left at the end of the 2001 season. Runs a multiple offense with a history of high-scoring teams, and his detail oriented style commands respect.

Bob Petrino, Louisville: One of the game's best offensive minds, he is quickly becoming a solid game day coach despite less than two years experience as a head coach. His stock has increased dramatically this season, especially with the near miss at Miami — a game the Cardinals likely should've won.

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