UPDATE: Arizona State is set to hire Herm Edwards
The Arizona State Sun Devils have been on a sharp decline since posting back-to-back 10-win seasons in 2013 and 2014, going just 13-17 over the last two and a half seasons - including a less-than-ideal 7-13 in conference play. That includes a 2-3 mark so far this season and a loss to Stanford this weekend. This drop-off has put head coach Todd Graham firmly on the hot seat, as the program is clearly going in the wrong direction.
If the Sun Devils are unable to turn things around, Graham will be gone. Here are five candidates Arizona State could target to replace him:
5) Chip Kelly, former Oregon/NFL head coach
Following a one-year stint with the 49ers, Kelly has returned to the college game as an analyst for ESPN. With no NFL head coaching opportunities on the horizon for Kelly, it's almost guaranteed that he'll be back in college next year. Kelly is going to be the hot candidate for every college opening following the season, and that's why he's only No. 5 on this list. Arizona State will certainly gauge Kelly's interest, but would they be willing to make him one of the highest-paid coaches in the country?
4) Tee Martin, USC offensive coordinator
Martin is the answer to the old trivia question of "who was the QB for Tennessee's national title team after Peyton Manning left." But Martin is more than just that, he's also a fast-rising coach. Just 39-year-old, Martin is now the offensive coordinator at USC, with previous stops at Kentucky and New Mexico. He steadily rose up the USC ranks, from WRs coach to passing game coordinator to full-on OC. He also happens to be an excellent recruiter.
If he's passed over for the Tennessee job, the Sun Devils could be another school that comes knocking on Martin's front door.
3) Scott Frost, UCF head coach
Frost was one of the hottest offensive coordinators in the country during his time at Oregon, and left to the take the UCF head coaching job following the 2015 season. Following a six-win season and a bowl berth in his first year with the Knights, he has led the program to an undefeated start this season - including an impressive win over Maryland. The former Nebraska quarterback will get a Power 5 job sooner rather than later, and given his connections on the West Coast, could be a great fit in Tempe. ASU may have to hold off his alma mater, however.
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2) Dave Aranda, LSU defensive coordinator
At only 40 years old, there might not be a better defensive coordinator in college football than Dave Aranda. The former roommate of Tom Herman (no, seriously), Aranda has had success as a DC at Utah State, Wisconsin and LSU. If a program is looking for a young defensive mind to take over, they can do no better than Aranda. The Sun Devils one of those teams.
1) Les Miles, former LSU head coach
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Miles is in the booth with FOX Sports this season, and while his tenure had run its course at LSU, there's no denying how successful he was during his time in Baton Rouge. He went 114-34 in 11 years, including a national championship and two SEC titles. There may be some reservations about pursuing him given LSU's offensive struggles over the last few years, but he's a proven coach who has a desire to get back to a Power 5 program. Arizona State may just give him a chance.
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