Five realistic candidates to replace Larry Fedora at North Carolina
A 2-8 season and an ugly loss to rival NC State to end the season were the final straws at North Carolina for Larry Fedora. The North Carolina athletic department relieved Fedora of his duties as head coach on Sunday, and the search for the next head coach is already underway. Here are five candidates that could end up getting the job.
MORE: Five programs that could benefit from UNC's coaching transition
Scott Satterfield, Appalachian State head coach
It's not the sexiest name on this list, but Satterfield might make the most sense. A North Carolina native who hasn’t had a losing season since his first as head coach, Satterfield took over at his alma mater before the 2013 season and has led the Mountaineers to 50 wins, three straight bowl game victories and two straight conference titles. A respected offensive mind, Satterfield’s connections to the state would allow him to hit the ground running on the recruiting trail, making the transition as seamless as possible.
Mel Tucker, Georgia defensive coordinator
Tucker is one of the most respected coordinators in the country, and he is primed to make the jump to the head coaching ranks. An elite recruiter, Tucker’s resume is littered with major signees, both highly rated and under-recruited prospects that developed into major contributors. North Carolina has been abysmal on the defensive side of the ball since Gene Chizik left Chapel Hill, and that would change under Tucker, who brings major Power Five and NFL experience to the table.
Seth Littrell, North Texas head coach
Littrell should be a familiar name for those who follow the Tar Heels. He was the offensive coordinator under Larry Fedora when North Carolina made it to the ACC Championship Game, finished the season with 11-wins and the offense set numerous school records. His offense is also rewriting the record books at North Texas. In just three seasons, Littrell will have led North Texas to three bowl game appearances and a conference championship game. If North Carolina is looking to go the offensive route with its next hire, Littrell could be an attractive name.
Ryan Day, Ohio State offensive coordinator
There may not be a coordinator anywhere in the country who is more prepared to be a head coach. Day took over as interim head coach at Ohio State earlier this season while Urban Meyer served his suspension and the Buckeyes got off to a roaring start, going 3-0 in those three weeks. The prolific Ohio State offense has set Big Ten records this season and Day's familiarity with the ACC from his time at Boston College should help him make an easy transition. Day hasn't had a problem recruiting talented players and he's proven the ability to develop under-recruited prospects.
Matt Rhule, Baylor head coach
Why not, right? Rhule has proven to be an excellent head coach that knows how to rebuild a once-proud program. With experience coaching both offense and defense, Rhule has the resume and knowledge to continue the tradition of offensive success in Chapel Hill while also knowing how to get the defense to play better. His staff members from Temple and Baylor have a lot of connections to the East Coast and Mid-Atlantic area, so their ability to recruit talented prospects shouldn't be a limiting factor, either. The level of discipline and structure Rhule brought to Baylor would be a welcome addition at North Carolina as well.
