USC coach Pete Carroll has reportedly agreed to become the next head coach of the Seattle Seahawks, and that means one of the highest-profile jobs in college football is about to open up.So who are the top candidates to replace Carroll? Five possibilities are below.
Jeremy Bates: A long shot, but this is the way to go if USC thinks NCAA sanctions are about to wreak havoc on the program. Bates, currently the Trojans' assistant head coach, could hold the team together while they're on probation, and then be pushed aside for a bigger-name coach if he can't work wonders in the face of NCAA trouble.
Jack Del Rio: The Jacksonville Jaguars' coach was an All-American linebacker and Rose Bowl co-MVP for the Trojans. All indications are that he and Jaguars owner Wayne Weaver don't particularly enjoy working together, and that Del Rio would love to coach his alma mater.
Jim Harbaugh: Harbaugh is the last guy Carroll would choose as his successor, but the great work he's done at Stanford makes him one of the most attractive coaches in the business.
Chris Petersen: The Boise State coach is the best coach in college football and would be a huge score for USC. But with Boise getting nearly ever contributor back from their undefeated 2009 team, and with USC losing several key players from a 9-4 team and potentially heading for NCAA trouble, Petersen probably views Boise as a better job than USC right now.




