Top 5 Replacements for Karl Dorrell

With the announcement that the Colorado Buffaloes have fired Karl Dorrell after an 0-5 start, it’s never too soon to speculate on who the next head coach will be. Here are my top five candidates.

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Bryan Harsin

Head Coach, Auburn

This is obviously conditional on his firing from Auburn, but that seems like a formality at this point. He saw his most success at Boise State, is originally from the area (born and raised in Boise), and has many ties to the mountain west. He’s a great fit.

Jim Leonhard

Defensive Coordinator, Wisconsin

The 10-year NFL vet’s name is going to come up in a lot of conversations for open jobs, and for good reason. The Badgers have had a top-5 nationally ranked defense in three of his four full seasons as defensive coordinator at his alma mater. He’s a young, brilliant defensive mind that reminds me a lot of Dave Aranda. 

Jeff Traylor

Head Coach, UTSA

Another name that has popped up a lot recently, Traylor has turned UTSA into a legit power in Conference USA. He’s got an effective offensive system and some of the best ties to Texas high schools in the country which should help with recruiting. He’d be a home run, but I think it’s going to take a lot to get him out of the state of Texas.

Matt Entz

HC, North Dakota State

We’ve seen former NDSU coach Chris Klieman have a lot of success so far during his time at Kansas State, and you could imagine a similar scenario happening with Entz at Colorado. Building a more physical brand of football could also help offset some of the Buffaloes deficiencies at the skill positions as well. He’s won two national titles in three full seasons, and has the Bison rolling again this season.

Graham Harrell

OC, WVU

If the Buffs want to go the completely opposite way and get someone who wants to air it out all the time, Harrell might be a good answer. He’s had experience coaching in the conference with stops at both USC and Washington State, and has the all-important ties to Texas for recruiting. They could do a lot worse than the former Texas Tech and Packers QB.