I'm combining these lists and adding one to get my "short list" of candidates:
- Jay Hill
- Jim McElwain
- Bill Clark
- Jim Mora
- Brady Hoke
McElwain and Hoke are the only proven MWC winners that are not currently in the MWC or at P5 schools.
The coordinators that
@Bullmastiff 1 mentions... not only do I not know anything about them, but both are DCs and I know people keep saying emphasize defense, but it takes more time, patience and staff continuity to recruit and build on the defensive side... and I'm not sure that's the direction we can go right now.
You cannot win games consistently giving up 30+ a game.
Most people haven't heard of college OC/DCs unless you are a fan of the team.
Scalley is likely going to take over for Whittingham when he retires at Utah...But
Would be a no for you for UNLV? Go look at the defenses and what he's done since he's been there. Guy can coach. Sure he's picked up some stuff being around Whittingham for a decade..
Gonzales defenses have improved every year he's been there. He did well enough in one year at SDSU, Herm Edwards said yep, give me that dude when he took the ASU job. Edwards made him associate HC before this year. Considered a solid recruiter. Same thing, sure he's picked up some stuff being around Rocky Long for over a decade.
Two guys you mentioned Hoke and Mora are defensive guys.
The third, Jay Hill, was primarily DB and special team coach. I believe he calls the defense for Weber State. So also a defensive minded guy.
Mora, Hoke likely not happening. Maybe. Doubt it.
Mcelwain would be a tough get for salary reasons. He's at 1.6 million in compensation at CMU. Plus he's doing well there. Why leave? Love to have him, but why come to UNLV unless they can pay you way more. Is he worth 2 million per?
Bill Clark. Again, love to have him. All south ties though. Likely getting a P5 job or higher end G5 job like a Memphis. He's at a million. Even if UNLV gets to 1.5 or 2, why leave a good thing at UAB when you likely get a call from a Tennesse or Arkansas in a couple years..