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	Luke Fickell Ohio State Def. Coordinator Ohio State -1997 Record: 6-7 (Interim)	The Candidate: Fickell has been coaching for 14 years and is in his second stint at Ohio State. He served as the interim head coach at Ohio State for one season before being named co-DC for the Buckeyes. Why Fickell?: Fickell appears to be one of the names to watch on many lists for young coaches and has been a reported finalist in a couple of recent searches. He is reportedly a solid recruiter and has earned the respect of his peers as an innovative coach with a defensive mind. Why Not?: His seat was warm at Ohio State early this season with an underperforming defense before the ship was righted. Despite having one year of HC experience, is he really ready to step into a program that was one win away from the BCS?
	Eric Wolford Youngstown State Head Coach Kansas St. - 1994 Record: 16-17	The Candidate: Wolford just completed his third season with the Penguins at 7-4 Before taking his first HC job he had stops at South Carolina, Illinois and Arizona among others where he served as an OL coach. Why Wolford?: It wasn't all that long ago that another former head coach from YSU had tremendous success stepping up to Division I (FBS). Wolford is a Northeastern Ohio guy (played HS at Youngstown Ursuline) and would have an easy time bringing in a staff of coaches who could be able to recruit Ohio. Why Not?: The departure of Hazell has set the bar high and fans and administrators are going to want to build off of an 11 win season, is Wolford a big enough name to make a splash. He has yet to have championship level success at YSU.
	Jon Heacock Kent State Def. Coordinator Muskingum - 1983 Record: 60-44	The Candidate:Heacock joined the KSU staff in 2011 after spending nearly a decade at Youngstown State as a head coach. Heacock has had stops at Indiana, Michigan and Army as well. Why Heacock?: Heacock was part of the staff at YSU that went 61-19-2 during his first six seasons and won three national championships (I-FCS). He has been around winning programs and already has a knowledge of Kent State, even if only for two seasons. Internal hires always help keep recruiting classes in place. Why Not?: The success that Heacock saw as a YSU assistant was not replicated as a HC despite two conference titles and a loss in the FCS semis. One has to expect that many current assistants will follow Hazell out of the program so where would a Heacock staff come from?

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