After losing to a MAC school at home in embarrassing fashion in Week 3, Herm Edwards is reportedly out as Arizona State football coach.
The Sun Devils did go a surprising 8-5 last season and 6-3 in the Pac-12, but the program took a massive step back this season, sitting at 1-2 through three games.
A change is coming to the desert.
Who will replace Herm Edwards at Arizona State?
Here are the best candidates to lead Arizona State out of the, well, desert:
1. Matt Rhule, Carolina Panthers coach: The leader in the clubhouse if he’s interested. Anderson loves NFL guys (obviously). If Rhule leaves the Panthers and isn’t snatched up by Nebraska, it shouldn’t be a tough decision for Arizona State. Dave Aranda at Baylor is still using players Rhule left behind who helped him win the Big 12 last season. The consummate program builder would be at home in the desert.
2. Byron Leftwich, Tampa Bay Buccaneers offensive coordinator: The former Marshall star quarterback is in his fourth year as the Bucs’ offensive boss. Tom Brady loves him. Leftwich already has a Super Bowl ring. Bruce Arians said he wouldn’t have come back to the Bucs if it wasn’t for Leftwich. An underrated talent who you better believe Anderson has on his radar. NFL teams may be interested, too.
3. Dan Mullen, ESPN analyst: Mullen needs to rebound after the Florida experience. He’s on the typical TV analyst rehab tour for a year to keep his name out there. Not that he needed it. Arizona State needs an identity. Mullen, with his offensive chops, would be that identity. Yes, he’s quirky. Maybe more than that. But as currently structured, Mullen could win the Pac-12. Soon.