App State head coach Scott Satterfield is the front-runner for the Louisville opening.
"I think he's going to have a great chance and I will be shocked if he stays at App State," ESPN reporter Andrea Adelson said. "When you look at what he's done with that program he deserves an opportunity to get one of these Power Five jobs."
Satterfield, a North Carolina native and former App State quarterback, has spent all but three years of his 23-year coaching career at his alma mater, including the last six as head coach. He led their FCS-to-FBS transition and, entering the Sun Belt Championship on Saturday, is 50-24 overall and one win away from a third double-digit-win season in the last four years.
If Satterfield leaves App State for Louisville, who might replace him? Some guesses:
There are several in-house options, including Dale Jones, who's in his 23rd season on the App State staff. A former Tennessee linebacker, Jones has coached special teams, linebackers and the defensive line during his two-decade run and was elevated to co-defensive coordinator this season.
Shawn Clark, co-offensive coordinator and offensive line coach, could be in the mix. A former teammate of Satterfield's, Clark actually began his coaching career at Louisville (grad assistant) before bouncing around and landing back at App State in 2016. The Mountaineers have ranked in the top 15 nationally in rushing yards per attempt in each of Clark's three seasons coordinating the run game.
Also, Bryan Brown, their 30-something defensive coordinator has been on staff since 2012, and co-offensive Frank Ponce has been in Boone since 2013.
Outside options could include Tony Elliott, Clemson's 39-year-old offensive coordinator who's been mentioned as a potential candidate for several openings. He played at Clemson and has spent his entire career in South Carolina but Boone isn't too far away and in a region he's recruited extensively.
Wake Forest offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach Warren Ruggiero might be a name to watch, along with Notre Dame offensive coordinator Chip Long and Texas A&M defensive coordinator Mike Elko
Potential under-the-radar names: Tulane assistant head coach and offensive line coach Alex Atkins, North Carolina A&T head coach Sam Washington and Wofford head coach Josh Conklin.
