Eight potential candidates to replace Steve Sarkisian at USC

Sep 19, 2015; Fresno, CA, USA; Utah Utes head coach Kyle Whittingham reacts after the Utes kicked an extra point against the Fresno State Bulldogs in the second quarter at Bulldog Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports

Kyle Whittingham – Utah Utes

Kyle Whittingham was born in San Luis Obispo, California but he’s been coaching at Utah since 1994 and been the head coach since 2005. Luring him out of the only place he’s known as a head coach could be a challenge, especially considering Utah is undefeated and a College Football Playoff contender.

He certainly has a great deal of experience as a head coach that should satisfy USC and has had a great deal of success. Whittingham holds a career record of 90-43 with an 8-1 bowl record. Five times he’s finished the season ranked in the top 25, including a No. 2 ranking in the AP Poll in 2008 after going 13-0. Utah could win the national title this year, so why would he leave? Because USC is a better job.

Next: Rich Rodriguez