Luke Fickell, Urban Meyer and 5 replacements for Brian Kelly as Notre Dame head coach

2. Matt Rhule. Carolina Panthers coach

Matt Rhule made the jump from the college game to the NFL at the conclusion of the 2019 season. He had interest from the New York Giants, but the Carolina Panthers blew Rhule away with a massive seven-year contract.

Almost two years into his tenure, and the Panthers have not taken that next step, mostly due to their inability to find an answer at the quarterback position. Could the Fighting Irish get Rhule to come back to college?

If there is one thing that Rhule is good at, it is creating winning programs. When he took over as Temple head coach, the Owls held a 28-23 overall record. Rhule led Temple to two 10-win seasons and to bowl games in his final two years with the program (2015-16). Then, Rhule was hired to coach the Baylor Bears in 2017. After a down first year (1-11), Rhule led the Bears to a Texas Bowl win in his second season and an impressive 11-3 record in the 2019 campaign.

This is all dependent on Rhule deciding to return to the college scene. It is unknown if he would do so, so temper your expectations.

1. Urban Meyer, Jacksonville Jaguars head coach, former Notre Dame assistant

Urban Meyer linked to a college head coaching vacancy? We know, you are probably not phased by this.

It is no secret that Urban Meyer’s transition from college to the NFL has been an unmitigated disaster. Meyer is used to winning as a coach, and he is in unfamiliar territory with the Jacksonville Jaguars, currently sitting with a 2-9 record.

In his head coaching career, dating back to 2001 in his first gig with Bowling Green, Meyer had never had a losing record in a season. Through 17 years at the collegiate level, Meyer won 187 games and lost just 32. At the current rate the Jaguars are going, he may match the loss record in the next two years.

Meyer has stated in the past that Notre Dame was one of his dream jobs. Meyer was the Notre Dame receivers coach from 1996-2000 before getting his first head coaching job. Now, that dream job is open and available. Would Meyer consider jumping ship from Jacksonville to South Bend? More importantly, would Notre Dame consider him for the job?

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