Mike Leach and Mack Brown are 2 names that I think make a lot of sense, especially Mike Leach. He has the UA relationship, has done a decent job at Washington State but it's a much tougher job than he originally thought...this is MD's chance to right a wrong. Would have many more resources here and a much better opportunity to be successful. He'd be #1 on my list. I also think Leach is one of the few guys out there that MAY NOT use MD as a stepping zone. Because they always will be IMO, which isn't the worst thing in the world because that means the team would be successful...but it's always preferably to find a long-term guy.
Mack Brown is obviously a little older but if you really think MD can really rise in the next few years, he'd be a nice 5 year option if he wants to coach again. He was said to be considering SMU, so could possibly be an option.
Then it comes down to, how much does the new facility and Big 10 move really change the perception of MD? I like to look around at other conferences, and pick a team that you think MD is viewed similarly to; and has that changed in the past 10 months with the Big 10 move and Cole?
Can we be the Arizona of the Pac 10, that a guy like Rich Rodriguez would want to go to? Or we are more of a Wake Forest?
How do we get a guy like Will Muschamp or Kirby Smart or Lane Kiffin to consider MD? Think to yourself...what is the next job Lane Kiffin will have? And how does that program stack up to MD? If Virginia offered Lane Kiffin the job, would he go there? And how do they compare to MD right now?
Neither is I think too realistic. Given how Leach was basically told it was his job than it was taken away from him. I don't think Brown would come here, although he did previously coach UNC (would be more realistic if they were still in the ACC). I don't see Mack Brown comes here having to wait until the practice facility is built.
The other ones are more realistic, but those coaches can still be more picky/choosy with what head coaches jobs to accept.
