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football Edit

HOT BOARD 3.2 (11-25-17): Ole Miss searches for next head coach

MORE: Insiders discuss Ole Miss search

With the NCAA sanctions expected soon and the 2017 football season complete, Ole Miss is searching to permanently replace Hugh Freeze, who resigned amid scandal back in July.

Ole Miss is one of three SEC programs -- along with Florida and Tennessee -- looking for a new head coach, but the list of league teams in transition could swell soon. These searches aren't performed in vacuums, so the overall landscape will factor into the ultimate decision.

We'll update this list of potential candidates as needed. We have them listed by tiers and in descending order.

TIER I

DAVE DOEREN - NORTH CAROLINA STATE HEAD COACH

Why it makes sense: The North Carolina State head coach has done a nice job in Raleigh and is win over hapless North Carolina from 8-4. The 46-year-old was 23-4 in two seasons at North Illinois. He took over a moribund NC State program and is 32-30 in five seasons with the Wolfpack.

Why it doesn’t make sense: While Doeren has four season with NCSU of at least seven wins, he's never won nine in a year, and he failed to capitalize in 2017, as some expected the Wolfpack to be a national contender. It would not be an exciting hire.

Bottom line: Doeren doesn't make a monumental salary in Raleigh, and industry insiders believe he has maximized what he can do with the Wolfpack and would make some sense in Oxford.

MATT LUKE - OLE MISS INTERIM HEAD COACH

Why it makes sense: Luke successfully managed a difficult season and got the Rebels to .500, winning three SEC games in the process. He has continuity with the program during an unstable time.

Why it doesn’t make sense: Luke likely wouldn't have a shot at another Power Five opening nationally, and a large segment of the fan base wants splash and a notable name that would command interest in other coaching searches.

Bottom line: Luke's candidacy seems to be surprisingly strong, with a lot of local voices supporting him.

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