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P.J. Fleck: About: Western Michigan's head coach figures to be the hot- test name in the Midwest hiring circle after leading the Broncos to 21 wins (as of Oct. 1) in the two- and-half seasons since a 1-11 de- but. As important: The energetic and charismatic Northern Illinois grad has produced tremendous results as a recruiter in the Mid-American Conference. Fleck was a gradu- ate assistant at Ohio State in '06, before holding as- sistant coaching jobs at Northern Illinois and Rutgers and with the NFL's Tampa Bay Buccaneers. 2016 record: 8-0 (4-0 MAC) Why: If Purdue wants energy and recruiting punch, Fleck might be straight out of central casting, and he's proven he can win over an extended period. His four years at Western Michigan represents an extended enough window to draw some conclusions on his ability to build and sustain a program, which isn't always the case with the hot mid-major guy. But recruiting might be the biggest plus here. Pur- due A.D. Mike Bobinski is known to be mindful of recruiting. Why not: As one national writer said, Fleck's ap- proach "isn't for everyone." Whether it's doing silly "Harlem Shake" videos or building his program on slogans like his signature "Row The Boat," his meth- ods might be a bit of an acquired taste. But players and particularly recruits have responded to them. Also, the question of Fleck's interest might come into play. This might be his year to move, but it might be a competitive marketplace for his services. It is believed that he might be a careful mover, however, and wait on the best situation he can get. Scott Frost About: Frost is just a few games into his first season as a head coach, but the former Nebraska quarterback could be on a pretty accelerated career trajectory if he'd be willing to move from UCF to a Power Five job after just one sea- son. Frost's offensive background is both significant and exciting. He was OC at Oregon for three years and on staff there for six. The 41-year-old coached and played both offense and defense. Purdue's leadership has turned over but it was believed to be captivated by Oregon offense early in the last hiring process. 2016 record: 4-3 (2-1 AAC) Why: Again, offense. Frost has a history with excel- lent — and fun and interesting — offenses and looks the part of a rising star in the business. Why not: Frost just took his first head-coaching job and hasn't had a chance to do much yet. Additional- ly, you never know when coaches would be willing to move after just one season someplace. Skip Holtz About: Growing up in a football family, Holtz has held four head coaching jobs serving at Connecti- cut from 1994-1998 (before it was FBS), East Carolina (2005-09), South Florida (2010-12) and in his current position at Louisiana Tech. Holtz worked as his father Lou's of- fensive coordinator at Notre Dame in 1993 and was the assistant head coach for his dad at South Carolina (1999-2004). He has led Louisiana Tech to bowl victories in the past two years after re- placing Sonny Dykes there in 2013. 2016 record: 5-3 (3-1 CUSA) Why: He is a big name, with an engaging personali- ty. The 52-year-old is known to be great with donors and fans. The Notre Dame connection might be enough to get him re-connected with Bobinski and his vast head coaching experience could be viewed as a plus. Why not: His inability to sustain success at South Florida, which resulted in a dismissal after three years gives pause, but the fact he has raised La. Tech from a disappointing 4-8 start in 2013 to winning postseason appearances might put him on the radar screen. Lane Kiffin About: The 41-year-old is Alabama's offensive coor- dinator, i.e. Nick Saban's head coach launching pad. It won't be long before Kiffin gets his fourth crack at Western Michigan Central Florida Louisiana Tech VOLUME 27, ISSUE 2 89