We’re not even though the first month of the 2021 college football season, and we already have a major head coaching vacancy. USC announced the dismissal of head coach Clay Helton on Monday.

USC’s past success, prominence and location make it one of the most prominent jobs in college football. It’s no surprise that there are already rumored candidates to be the next head coach of the Trojans.

College football insider Pete Thamel of Yahoo Sports shared a list of candidates. Four of the names have ties to the SEC. According to Thamel, the early list of candidates includes:

  • James Franklin (Penn State head coach, former Vanderbilt head coach)
  • Bill O’Brien (Alabama offensive coordinator)
  • Mario Cristobal (Oregon head coach, former Alabama assistant)
  • Bob Stoops (FOX Sports analyst, former Florida defensive coordinator)

In addition to those names, Thamel’s list includes Iowa State head coach Matt Campbell, Cincinatti head coach Luke Fickell, Minnesota head coach P.J. Fleck, Rutgers head coach Greg Schiano, Clemson offensive coordinator Tony Elliott and former Boise State/Washington head coach Chris Petersen.