Colorado Football: Top 5 Candidates to Replace Mike MacIntyre

3. Matt Wells (HC/Utah State)

Matt Wells’ star was shining brightly following consecutive big seasons at Utah State in 2013-2014, but following three straight underwhelming campaigns after that saw the Aggies go 15-23, Wells cooled off considerably.

Those flames have been fanned once again in 2018 as Wells has Utah State at 9-1 and in position to grab the Mountain West title. The committee has yet to recognize his team for their achievements, but they sit at No. 14 in the AP Poll, the second highest ranking in program history.

A high-powered offense has been the impetus for the leap taken in Logan in 2018 as the Aggies lead the nation in scoring offense at 51.3 points-per-game. If they can go to Boise State in two weeks and knock off the Broncos, Utah State will play for the Mountain West title.

Regardless of how the rest of the season plays out, Wells is sure to be given serious consideration at a number of bigger programs during this coaching carousel. Wells doesn’t have the same connections to the program as others have, but he’s a proven young coach that could elevate the Buffaloes program.

MacIntyre came from a Mountain West program as well after leading San Jose State to a 10-win season, and former Boise State head coach Dan Hawkins also had a failed tenure as the head coach in Boulder. That could make George and company apprehensive to bringing in another coach with no head coaching experience outside of the group-of-five.