Who's next in Lincoln? Five realistic candidates for Huskers

With Mike Riley out as Nebraska’s head coach, the Huskers will once again set out to find a coach capable of restoring the program to its past glory. The next hire will be Nebraska's fourth head coach since 2007, so the pressure will be on to win with haste.

Below, Rivals.com lists five possible candidates for the open job and ranks them according to realism.

FULL COVERAGE OF NEBRASKA'S FIRING OF MIKE RILEY: What happens to Calibraska movement? | Mind of Mike | Who is next in Lincoln? | Riley's failure to develop QBs | Recruiting misses that doomed Riley | Which teams will benefit? | Recruiting busts under Riley | HUSKERONLINE.COM

Why it’s realistic: Frost played quarterback at Nebraska and nostalgia is a hell of a motivator. It’s been a longstanding belief in some circles that Frost would one day coach his alma mater and now it seems there’s no time like the present. The fit is solid and the logic is sound. Frost, who turned UCF around in incredibly short order, should be the first call the Huskers make.

Why it’s not: Frost to Nebraska gets less realistic if an SEC job with more money and more prestige decides to start a bidding war. Even then, the appeal of Nebraska will remain. There are no sure things when it comes to coaching moves, though, and Frost could see another, more traditional program as an easier rebuild and a wiser career move.

Realism score: 8.5

Why it’s realistic: Nebraska used Leach’s former boss, Bill Moos, to fill its open athletics director position, so making this jump isn’t that much of a stretch. A team in need of a revamped offensive approach would certainly get that from a proven offensive guru such as Leach, who may not like working for a boss that didn’t hire him at Washington State.

Why it’s not: Leach may not be high on Nebraska’s list. Also, the somewhat eccentric Leach might not be the best cultural fit for Lincoln. The Huskers may want somebody a touch a younger (Leach is 56) with a higher recruiting ceiling.

Realism score: 6.5

Why it’s realistic: Iowa State’s current head coach, Campbell is becoming a hot young name and the fact that he is having success in a bordering state is certainly worth something. Campbell is already an established name in the region and is proving that he is capable of a quick rebuild.

Why it’s not: Hiring Campbell is a risk, and Nebraska may not be interested in taking it. Campbell has been a Power Five head coach for exactly one season and hasn’t exactly won at the highest level. The head coach at Nebraska is a full fledged statewide celebrity and questions about whether the 37-year-old Campbell is ready for that kind of stage need to be asked. That said, the reward for this risk could be massive.

Realism score: 6

Why it’s realistic: Nebraska has a proud history of running the option and there’s a segment of the fan base that would love nothing more than to see a return to power football in Lincoln. Niumatalolo has experienced some measure of success at Navy (the Middies are headed to their ninth bowl in his 10 seasons) and would represent a shakeup from what has become the status quo in Lincoln.

Why it’s not: Niumatalolo is somehow more of a risk than Campbell. Success at a secure academy is miles different than success in the Big Ten and straying so far from the status quo will look bad on Moos should the experiment fail. There’s also Niumatalolo’s limited track record when it comes to recruiting against the big boys.

Realism score: 5

Why it’s realistic: Originally from Kansas, Venables has midwest roots and was coaching at Kansas State when the Huskers were a national power. He’s one of the hottest and most proven assistant coaches in the country and would be a cultural fit at Nebraska, which has always valued defense. Venables would bring a proven system, some level of cache and a championship pedigree to Lincoln.

Why it’s not: Venables has turned down jobs in the past and might do so again here. It’s also possible that he won’t be on the Huskers’ short list. Nebraska may not be the power it once was, but the fan support and facilities make the Huskers capable of landing an established head coach. Lincoln may not be the city to cut your teeth as a head coach.

Realism score: 4.5