Larry Coker Out at Miami?

Rumors are flying all over that the University of Miami Board of Trustees called an emergency meeting today at 3 p.m. to approve the dismissal of head football coach Larry Coker. Since winning the national championship in his first season at Miami, the Hurricanes' level of play has consistently deteriorated.

Despite the recent slide, Miami is one of the most attractive coaching jobs in college football. If patient, the Hurricanes should be able to land a top-level coach. Here is an incomplete list of candidates likely to be considered by Miami:

1) Rich Rodriguez (head coach, West Virginia) - Great choice, but likely won't leave Morgantown. Especially not now.

2) Greg Schiano (head coach, Rutgers) - Schiano probably should have been the coach at Miami instead of Coker to begin with. If Miami wants him, it shouldn't be hard to lure him away from Rutgers.

3) Butch Davis (former Miami head coach) - Why not? Davis had tremendous success in his first stint at Miami, dominating college football for most of his tenure before Coker ruined the fruits of his labor.

4) Steve Mariucci (former 49ers head coach) - Miami fans are talking about this one, but it really doesn't make much sense.

5) Pat Hill (head coach, Fresno State) - Hill has been successful without that much to work with. Given Miami's vast drawing power, he might make for a big-time hire. He might also make for a big-time flop.

6) Mark Richt (head coach, Georgia) - Not going to happen. Why would Richt leave the plum he has in Athens?

7) Paul Johnson (head coach, Navy) - Miami probably won't even consider Johnson, but no coach in Division I-A football has manufactured a better turnaround than he has at the Naval Academy. The main concern would be whether he could have success at a prestigious football school running a high-octane offense, rather than the option.

8) George O'Leary (head coach, UCF) - This man can coach. He shouldn't be Miami's first choice, but he should be on the list.

9) Mike Price (head coach, UTEP) - What was said above about O'Leary also applies for Price.

10) Randy Shannon (assistant coach, Miami) - The likely next head coach of Miami, if only on an interim basis.