10 realistic USC head coach candidates to replace Clay Helton

6. Luke Fickell, Cincinnati head coach

Of all the obvious choices, this is the most obvious. Luke Fickell was hired by USC athletic director Mike Bohn at Cincinnati. Their connection is clear. The question is whether he wants to ride it out with the Bearcats in the Big 12 or try his hand at a national program. Fickell cut his teeth with Jim Tressell at Ohio State. He’s seen what top programs look like. He’s also been impressive leading Cincinnati to two 11-win seasons and a conference title. He has finished each of the last three seasons with a ranked team.

5. Mario Cristobal, Oregon head coach

Of all the bold moves, this would be the boldest. Mario Cristobal has turned Oregon back into a Pac-12 power and just got a signature win by going into the Horseshoe and upsetting Ohio State. Taking Cristobal away from the Ducks would be a huge blow to a conference rival while also strengthening the Trojans with a coach who is a proven winner in the Pac-12. One need only watch Oregon’s wins over USC under Cristobal to see what he’s capable of achieving in big games.