Brad Underwood, Stephen F. Austin: Has won 32 and 29 games in his first two seasons, won the Southland Conference's automatic bid both times and even won a game in the NCAA Tournament a year ago. Former South Carolina and Kansas State assistant.

Michael White, Louisiana Tech: Has averaged 25 wins a season in four years at the school, and has been a candidate at other SEC programs (believed to have turned down Tennessee a year ago, for instance). Has ties all over the south, which should help in recruiting. An Ole Miss alum, but that should not be an issue.

Steve Prohm, Murray State: Mississippi State tried in 2012 and he took an extension to stay at Murray State then. But has he tired of the one-bid Ohio Valley Conference? The Racers won 25 games in a row this season, lost the conference championship by a point and didn't sniff the NCAA Tournament.

Kermit Davis, Middle Tennessee State: His dad was the head coach at Mississippi State, he played there and then embarked on a long coaching career that for the last 12 seasons has had him as the head man at MTSU. This was a rebuilding year and he still won 19 games.

Mike Hopkins, Syracuse assistant: Was named the coach-in-waiting years ago, but when Jim Boeheim announced his retirement in three years no one said Hopkins was still the guy. Which is weird. Even if he did leave for Syracuse in three years, he'd have to win in the meantime and is a terrific recruiter who could get the job done quickly.

Ben Howland, UCLA: He wants back into the game, but says he turned down jobs last year because he thought he could better. What's his opinion of Mississippi State? You make the call.

Rick Barnes, Texas: No one would leave Texas for Mississippi State if all things were equal, but it may not be his choice after a first-round exit. If he's available, you at least make the call.

Ron Hunter, Georgia State: Really smart basketball coach who won at IUPUI and has really done well at Georgia State, including an upset of No. 3 seed Baylor this week. Has hit the transfer market hard at the latter, and could do so at Mississippi State to increase the talent level quickly.

Jerod Haase, UAB: Has pushed the Blazers program up the ladder, including a win in the NCAA Tournament as a No. 14 seed this year. Knows how a big program is run as well, after playing at Kansas and coaching there and North Carolina.

Bacari Alexander, Michigan assistant: Strong recruiter who used to play for the Harlem Globetrotters (so he knows about bringing energy to the building). Young (38) too, but all his ties are to the Midwest.

Jeff Boals, Ohio State assistant: Another bright younger mind from the Big Ten that also has ties to the Midwest. Both he and Alexander are going to get a head coaching shot someday.

Eric Musselman, LSU assistant: Been a head coach in the NBA twice, and just finished up his first season as an assistant for the SEC rivals.

Seth Greenberg, ESPN analyst: The former Virginia Tech coach may very well be quite happy being a TV guy, but if he wants back MSU is not a bad option.