Any of the candidates that are being mentioned will be an upgrade from what we currently have/had. Will they have the name and immediate uplifting impact that Gruden would've had, no, but they will definitely be better than our current situation. They will have HC experience and have all won games they were underdogs in. My personal preference is to stay away from the Saban coaching tree because I want someone that can't stand Saban, Bama, Muschamp, or any of the others we'll face (which at some point Smart will be on that list also). My pecking order is:
Mike Gundy - proven winner and recruiter.
Jim Mora, Jr. - NFL ties and has done a great job at UCLA thus far.
Larry Fedora - I would be excited about him, his recruiting, his offense, and the passion his players play with. Close to my 1st choice.
Charlie Strong - SEC ties, strong recruiting ties, Defensive minded, proven experience.
Jimbo Fisher - proven winner, strong recruiting ties in FL.
Al Golden - proven winner at all HC jobs, ties to FL recruiting.
Philippians 2:3
Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves.
Let's be honest...