USC football coaching search: Dream & nightmare candidates

What name would delight you the most if he was named the new USC head coach and why?

David Piper, Addicted To Quack: Mike Riley. For whatever reason, his name keeps popping up every time the SC job opens up. I don't think his golly shucks attitude plays well in LA.

Sean Reynolds, Block U: Paul Pasqualoni.

Jason Bartel, AZ Desert Swarm: Todd Graham because Todd Graham

Jack Follman, Pacific Takes: Tyrone Willingham. But seriously, Chris Petersen. I think he has already peaked at Boise State and doesn't have the personality to recruit and fit as the coach at USC. I also have questions about how well Boise State coaches do at Pac-12 programs after the way Dirk Koetter and Dan Hawkins failed at Arizona State and Colorado.

Adam Butler, Pac Hoops: What if it was Chip Kelly. WHAT IF IT WAS CHIP KELLY??

But seriously, I like the idea of the Del Rio hire. There's a precedence for hiring a former pro guy and that's right up USC's alley. I'm curious, however, if he's a target as a very qualified candidate or because of his USC background. That's no knock on him, but Michigan has spurned itself with the whole "MAN" thing and I don't think the Trojans need to get wrapped up in getting a TROJAN MAN. I just said Trojan Man.

Trevor Wong, Conquest Chronicles: Chris Petersen. His track record at Boise State is well-documented - five conference championships, two undefeated seasons and two BCS appearances.

Phil Fraser, Ralphie Report: Of the names I've seen thrown out most commonly? Probably Chris Petersen. He's sort of flatlined, buzz-wise, and I don't think he'd be a good fit for LA. Mostly, though, I'd just be delighted not to hear his name thrown for every big job every year. Let's go back to focusing on where Gruden's going.

What name would you terrify you the most if he was named the new USC head coach and why?

Josh Schlichter, Pacific Takes: Probably Pete Carroll, although that would be a real long shot to actually happen. More realistically, seeing another air raid coach like Kevin Sumlin or Kliff Kingsbury at USC would be crazy considering how much talent they'll have access to in L.A.

David Piper, Addicted To Quack: Assuming that Nick Saban and Chip Kelly aren't realistic options, I don't think anyone terrifies me. But it should be a fairly easy rebuild for a good coach. James Franklin comes to mind, but don't leave out Jon Gruden as the ultimate wild card.

Sean Reynolds, Block U: Urban Meyer. Not going to happen, of course, but the guy can flat out coach. I guess I'd throw in Nick Saban too.

Jason Bartel, AZ Desert Swarm: Sarkisian. He's shown he can bring in a lot of talent at UW. Imagine if he's recruiting to USC.

Jack Follman, Pacific Takes: It's not very plausible, but Chip Kelly. Imagine Kelly running the Oregon offense with his skills with the talent that USC has.

Trevor Wong, Conquest Chronicles: Jack Del Rio. What exactly has he accomplished as a coach? When his name comes up, I think of the Jacksonville Jaguars, where he was head coach from 2003-11. He wasn't particularly successful there, and I'm a bit skeptical if he is the right fit at USC.

Phil Fraser, Ralphie Report: Jack Del Rio, because it might mean the Broncos wouldn't have his full attention as they march toward the Super Bowl (yeah, that's a cop out). Real answer would be Greg Roman or Derek Mason.