The coaching carousel has started earlier than normal in 2021, with job openings at power programs USC and LSU becoming available during the season.

Other high-profile jobs could open up at the end of the season, and Miami is one that many expect to become available, as Hurricanes head coach Manny Diaz has struggled.

Diaz is just 16-14 in his third season at Miami, including a 2-4 mark this year, and Hurricanes fans and notable alumni have called for a change.

If Diaz is relieved of his duties, there will be plenty of interest in the job given the program’s historical success and what is one of the most fertile recruiting territories in the country.

As for who might be a top candidate, earlier this week Sports Illustrated columnist Pat Forde singled out Kentucky head coach Mark Stoops as the favorite.

Stoops had led the Wildcats to a 6-1 record this season and he has an overall mark of 43-27 since the start of the 2016 season at what everyone would consider a basketball school.

No. 15 Kentucky is off this weekend but will return to action next Saturday at Mississippi State.