Harbaugh to Kansas?

LINK

Less than 24 hours after the resignation of Mark Mangino, a favorite for the job at Kansas is already emerging.


According to the Lawrence Journal-World, and citing a "general consensus of those who are close to the program", Stanford head coach Jim Harbaugh is likely to be the guy the school targets as the Jayhawks begin their search.


Harbaugh, who has a contract extension on the table from the Cardinal, has been mentioned as a potential replacement for the Notre Dame job, and would likely be a serious contender for the Michigan job if Rich Rodriguez cannot turn the Wolverines' fortunes around in 2010 and is let go.


The ties between Harbaugh and Michigan, and the uncertainty swirling around RichRod's future in Ann Arbor, should give the Jayhawks pause, And, if it does, the Journal-World says they would likely turn to Houston's Kevin Sumlin as an attractive alternative to Harbaugh.


Sumlin himself has been named in connection with many openings this year, including Louisville, although it appears that Florida defensive coordinator Charlie Strong all but has his name on the head coach's office. Houston is also looking to lock Sumlin down with a long-term contract extension that would include an increase in pay, but it's highly doubtful the Conference USA school could match what a Big 12 school has to offer financially.


Other names being mentioned as a possible replacement include Buffalo's Turner Gill, Southern Miss' Larry Fedora, Boise State's Chris Peterson and former Baltimore Ravens head coach Brian Billick, among many, many others listed by the Journal-World.