My updated thinking / rankings (assuming Stoops and Aranda are 100% off the table):
1. Matt Campbell (probably the best blend of upside, floor, and recruiting). But USC could offer him $8+ million with better incentives.
2. Kalen DeBoer (I've beaten de meat enough about him)
3. Dave Clawson (highest floor, lowest risk, and very well-respected coach. A program builder who could get started cooking faster at UW if he can keep the talent on the roster from portaling. Massive priority would be hiring an assistant or two with extensive West Coast recruiting experience).
I wouldn't mind seeing what Clawson could do @ UW, but the defense he runs is incredibly suspect.
Fortunately, there will be plenty of good defensive / recruiting coaches on the West Coast (I still like Malloe, potentially ASU's staff like Antonio Pierce, Dontae Williams, Vic S'oto, and Michael Hutchins of USC, and coaches at Cal may be more receptive to leaving that sinkhole).
Comments
1. Matt Campbell (probably the best blend of upside, floor, and recruiting). But USC could offer him $8+ million with better incentives.
2. Kalen DeBoer (I've beaten de meat enough about him)
3. Dave Clawson (highest floor, lowest risk, and very well-respected coach. A program builder who could get started cooking faster at UW if he can keep the talent on the roster from portaling. Massive priority would be hiring an assistant or two with extensive West Coast recruiting experience).
4. FYFMFE
Campbell or Kalen?