Eight potential candidates to replace Steve Sarkisian at USC

Nov 22, 2014; Memphis, TN, USA; Memphis Tigers head coach Justin Fuente reacts during the game against the South Florida Bulls at Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports

Justin Fuente – Memphis Tigers

Justin Fuente is a rising star in the coaching industry after what he’s done to build up the Memphis program that was in a state of despair before he took over in 2011. The Tigers won seven games his first two years but last year they went 10-3 and finished the season ranked No. 25 in the AP and Coaches Poll. He has Memphis at 5-0 and could have his choice of Power 5 jobs at the end of the season.

Tom Herman – Houston Cougars

Tom Herman is in his first year as a head coach after winning the Broyles Award last year as the nation’s top assistant coach for his work as the Ohio State Buckeyes offensive coordinator. Without him, Ohio State doesn’t win the national title because of his touch with J.T. Barrett and later Cardale Jones after he turned them from backups to superstars. He has Houston undefeated and poised to compete with Fuente for the American conference title for years to come, well until they both leave for Power 5 jobs when they want them.

Next: Kyle Whittingham