Illinois is looking for a new football coach. Here are the 16 most viable candidates — and the odds they'll get hired — courtesy beat writer Bob Asmussen:

STEVE ADDAZIO

Temple head coach

Age: 52

Why he fits: First-year head coach is winning at a place where it isn't easy, leading Temple to an 8-4 record and a bowl berth. ... Former offensive coordinator for Urban Meyer at Florida. ... Has Big Ten roots, serving as Indiana offensive coordinator from 2002 to '04. ... Spent three years on the staff at Notre Dame, working with the offensive line and special teams ... Ties to Florida improve his recruiting footprint. He also has worked in the East, which could see a lot of Illinois coaches in the future. ... Won a pair of national championships with the Gators. ... Enthusiastic and relates well to the players.

Why he doesn't: Not a good sign that he turned down the initial inquiry from Illinois, though that always could be a fakeout. ... Only one season as a head coach, which means he hasn't proven himself over the long haul. ... Some in Philadelphia think he actually has underachieved with the Owls after replacing Al Golden. ... No name recognition for the average fan in C-U. The buzz, if anything, would be negative. ... New coach Will Muschamp didn't retain him after taking over at Florida. Why? ... His three years at Indiana are his only ties to the Big Ten. Might not be enough.

Odds: 18:1

TIM BECKMAN

Toledo head coach

Age: 46

Why he fits: A winner in his first three seasons as Toledo head coach, going 21-16 and leading the Rockets to a pair of bowl berths. ... Took over a staggered program that faced issues on the field and off (point-shaving scandal). You haven't heard about troubles in Toledo since. ... Works in the league where Mike Thomas likes to find head coaches. Both of his hires at Cincinnati were from the MAC. ... Thomas has put conference record as one of his priorities for Illinois football. Toledo is 7-1 in the MAC the last two seasons. ... Went to high school and college in Ohio and worked on the staff at Ohio State. ... Has qualified for a bowl in eight of his last nine seasons, including the 2007 BCS title game. ... Has worked for Jim Tressel, Urban Meyer and Mike Gundy. ... Scored 60+ points in consecutive early November games, losing to Northern Illinois and beating Western Michigan. ... Should have beat Ohio State this season. And Syracuse, too. ... Considered a talented recruiter.

Why he doesn't: Defensive-minded coach might not play well in C-U, especially after Ron Zook's connection with defense. ... Like with Addazio, the sampling is still small on him as a head coach. ... Won't fire up the masses. Little name recognition in C-U. ... Has worked with Tressel, Meyer and Gundy. ... Thomas might want to break from string of MAC hires.

Odds: 20:1

DAVE CHRISTENSEN

Wyoming head coach

Age: 50

Why he fits: Winning with the Cowboys isn't easy. He's got his team bowl bound for the second time in three years and appears to have bounced back from a dreadful 3-9 middle season. ... Though he's a Washington native and graduate, he has strong ties to the Midwest, working at Toledo and Missouri. ... During his 12 years at Missouri, the Tigers dominated Illinois. That will be part of the consideration. ... Offensive-minded coach with a reputation for piling up points and throwing the ball down the field. Remember, he coached Chase Daniel and Jeremy Maclin at Missouri. And Brad Smith. ... Time is right for a move to a BCS conference. It will most likely be the Big Ten or Big 12. ... A solid recruiter, he has improved the overall talent of the Wyoming program in a short time.

Why he doesn't: Does his body of work meet the requirements of a proven head coach? ... The top teams on Wyoming's schedule this season (Boise State, TCU, Nebraska) beat the Cowboys by a combined 105-48. Cowboys somehow lost to Utah State by 44. ... Two of Wyoming's wins this season came against FCS schools. ... Only name recognition comes from his time at Missouri. ... Hiring wouldn't create any buzz in East Central Illinois.

Odds: 15:1

PAUL CHRYST

Wisconsin offensive coordinator

Age: 46

Why he fits: Leader of one of the nation's most dominant offenses. With his guidance, the Badgers earned a spot in the Big Ten title game and were two late passes away from having a perfect regular season. ... Known for his ability to develop running backs, usually the bruising types. ... Until this year, had mostly worked with manager-type quarterbacks. Found a winner in Russell Wilson who could do more than hand off and throw short passes. ... Knows the Big Ten as a player at Wisconsin and on the Badgers staff. ... His team just beat Illinois in Champaign, rallying from a 17-7 halftime deficit. ... Has a sprinkling of NFL experience, working with the San Diego Chargers earlier in his career. ... Has the backing of Wisconsin athletic director Barry Alvarez, one of the most powerful figures in the Big Ten.

Why he doesn't: He is not a current head coach. And he has never been a head coach at any level. Is Mike Thomas willing to pick an assistant for his first major hire at Illinois? He said he would lean toward a person with head coaching experience but didn't eliminate assistants. ... Wisconsin's run-first approach won't thrill many Illinois fans, who tend to favor the passing game. Now, if he can bring Montee Ball and the Badgers' offensive linemen with him, it's a different story. ... His name doesn't sell a ticket. Doubt that an Illinois fan could pick him out of a lineup. ... Last time Illinois hired an assistant from another Big Ten school, it was a disaster (see Gary Moeller).

Odds: 8:1

MARIO CRISTOBAL

Florida International head coach

Age: 41

Why he fits: Winning where it isn't easy, he is taking Golden Panthers to a second consecutive bowl. His team shared the Sun Belt title in 2010 and won the Little Caesars Pizza Bowl with a last-second field goal against Toledo. ... Showed his team could play at a high level this season, beating Louisville in the second game of the season. ... Looks young enough to play. ... Emotional on the sidelines. ... Before taking over at Florida International, he worked on the offensive staffs at Rutgers and Miami. ... Miami native would have an easy time recruiting Florida, which is already used to seeing Illinois coaches. ... Won a pair of national titles as an offensive lineman with the Hurricanes.

Why he doesn't: Early years at Florida International didn't go well, including a 1-11 opening season. Had the Golden Panthers not reached a bowl in 2010, he would have been on the hot seat. ... No ties to Illinois or the Midwest. Not a deal breaker, but a preference. ... Fans in East Central Illinois don't know him. Florida International's games aren't televised much except midweek appearances that draw low ratings. ... Are ties to Miami a good thing? Probably not in the wake of the scandal.

Odds: 40:1

LARRY FEDORA

Southern Miss head coach

Age: 49

Why he fits: Doing a bang-up job with the Golden Eagles, leading them to the Conference USA title game. In his four seasons at Southern Miss, Fedora has earned a bowl bid every time. ... His team is playing better than ever, reaching double figures in wins for the first time in his four seasons. ... Offensive-minded coach helped his team top 30 or more points nine times going into Saturday. ... Exciting offense moves the ball up and down the field. Also a creative sort. ... Southern Miss has had its four best offensive seasons in history with Fedora as coach. ... A strong recruiter with a base in Florida and the rest of the South. ... Did great work at Oklahoma State before taking over in Hattiesburg.

Why he doesn't: He will be a candidate for several other jobs, including Texas A&M and Mississippi. For Fedora, Illinois would rank below those two in terms of attractiveness. ... Spent a couple of weeks as Illinois offensive coordinator for Ron Zook before changing his mind and going to Oklahoma State. If he takes the job, he will have to explain what was the problem the first time. ... His current defensive coordinator Dan Disch was demoted as Illinois defensive coordinator. It might be difficult to bring him back to Illinois in his current position, though Disch would be a candidate to take over as head coach at Southern Miss. ... Other than his two weeks on Zook's staff at Illinois, he has no ties to the Midwest.

Odds: 25:1

HUGH FREEZE

Arkansas State head coach

Age: 42

Why he fits: First-year coach has Red Wolves on their way to first bowl in school history. ... Spent some quality time in Champaign this season, watching his team lose to Illinois during opening week. ... Gained national notoriety as Michael Oher's high school coach, which led to the book and movie "The Blind Side." He is asked about Oher and the movie all the time, patiently answering the questions. ... A dynamic offensive mind, his Red Wolves scored 30 or more points in seven of their first 11 games this season. ... Only two losses during 9-2 season were at Illinois and Virginia Tech. ... Tireless promoter of his program, he made 150 public appearances after being hired at Arkansas State. ... Charismatic personality who has never met a stranger.

Why he doesn't: Only one year as a head coach in Division I, though he ran the Lambuth program for two years before joining Arkansas State's staff in 2010. ... Has only been a college coach since 2006. The bulk of his work was at Briarcrest High School in Tennessee. ... No ties to the Midwest or Big Ten. ... Recruiting at Arkansas State is different than recruiting at Illinois. Two years on the Mississippi staff is his only time recruiting for a BCS school. ... Little name recognition beyond "The Blind Side" ties. Fans would say, "Who?"

Odds: 30:1

SKIP HOLTZ

South Florida head coach

Age: 47

Why he fits: Last name still packs a punch, especially in the Midwest where his dad once ruled at Notre Dame. Irish haven't won a national title since Lou Holtz left. ... Plenty of head coaching experience, working at UConn and East Carolina before taking over at South Florida. ... Most head coaching experience of anyone on this list. He's got 85 wins and five bowl bids, plus an appearance in the I-AA playoffs. ... Beat Notre Dame this season and might be able to schedule a game against the Irish for the Illini (Soldier Field perhaps). ... Knows the Midwest from his time on the Notre Dame staff. ... Good guy off the field devotes time to charity, including an annual golf outing.

Why he doesn't: He isn't his dad. ... Happy in south Florida and isn't looking to leave unless a ridiculous offer comes. Illinois isn't likely to be that offer. ... If he was going to go anywhere, it would be North Carolina, which is closer to where he had his greatest success, East Carolina. ... After a 4-0 start, the Bulls faded badly down the stretch, losing seven of their last eight. South Florida had a lead late against West Virginia on Thursday but lost the game to finish 5-7. Team looked undisciplined against the Mountaineers, drawing critical penalties. Hard to tell if Holtz had their attention. ... Won't put fannies in the seats.

Odds: 75:1

MARK HUDSPETH

Louisiana-Lafayette head coach

Age: 43

Why he fits: Working wonders in his first season with the Ragin' Cajuns, leading the team to eight wins and a berth in the New Orleans Bowl. That's the same game that could invite Illinois. ... Before taking over in Lafayette, he had two successful seasons on Dan Mullen's staff at Mississippi State. ... Went 66-21 in seven seasons as head coach at North Alabama, leading the team three Division II semifinal appearances. ... Also served as offensive coordinator at Navy and Delta State, his alma mater. ... Has worked both sides of the ball, coaching defensive backs at Central Arkansas. ... Offensive-minded coach, one of the youngest on the list, will move up soon.

Why he doesn't: Despite the success at North Alabama, the body of work is still a bit slim. ... Mississippi native has no ties to the Midwest. His next job is more likely be in the SEC, Big 12 or Conference USA. ... No name recognition for fans or the media. ... Age might actually work against him in a league that continues to load up with top coaches. Urban Meyer just moved in, and Penn State's going to pick somebody good, too.

Odds: 100:1

BUTCH JONES

Cincinnati head coach

Age: 43

Why he fits: Continued Brian Kelly's fine work with the Bearcats. After a rough first season (4-8) in Chili City, Cincinnati has doubled the win total and qualified for a bowl. ... Mike Thomas hired Jones at Cincinnati. Why wouldn't he hire him again? ... Jones followed Kelly at Central Michigan and went 27-13 in three seasons. In his last year, the team went 11-2. ... Michigan native knows the Midwest. ... Kept Cincinnati in contention for the Big East title this season despite the loss of starting quarterback Zach Collaros to a broken ankle. ... Friendly Ferris State graduate would enjoy the Champaign-Urbana community. Has spent the bulk of his coaching career in college towns. ... Is down the list of sports priorities in Cincinnati, a pro town that favors the Reds and Bengals. At Illinois, he would be the top dog. Like he was at Central Michigan and at West Virginia. ... Would provide some buzz because of his work this season with the Bearcats.

Why he doesn't: If he is going to leave Cincinnati, North Carolina and UCLA might be more appealing destinations. Both seem to have interest in Jones. ... Sources have said that Jones doesn't relish the idea of working with Thomas again. ... Took over what appeared to be a good team in 2010 and went 4-8. Would a similar drop happen at Illinois? ... Hasn't worked in the Big Ten before. ... The buzz wouldn't be overwhelming. Feels like more of a backup choice than a frontline contender.

Odds: 27:1

TODD MONKEN

Oklahoma State offensive coordinator

Age: 45

Why he fits: Illinois native grew up in Wheaton and played quarterback at Knox College. ... Continues to recruit his home state, landing Rochester superstar Wes Lunt as a future replacement for Brandon Weeden. ... Putting up huge numbers in his first season in charge of the Cowboys' offense. Team is second in the nation in scoring, averaging 50 points per game. Took a great offense and made it even better. ... Knows the Midwest, serving on the staffs at Notre Dame, Eastern Michigan and Grand Valley State. ... Learned from the best in the NFL, working two seasons as quarterbacks coach for the Jaguars. ... Had earlier stints at Oklahoma State and LSU, winning a national title with the Tigers. ... Organized and intelligent. A future head coach who is following the lead of past Oklahoma State coordinators Fedora and Dana Holgorsen.

Why he doesn't: No experience as a head coach will hurt. Is Thomas willing to take a chance on an untested guy? ... The pieces were in place at Oklahoma State before he took over. He had an All-America quarterback throwing to an All-America receiver. How much credit does he deserve? ... Though the folks in Rochester rave about him and his family is known in coaching circles in the state, he has little name recognition in East Central Illinois. ... Hasn't had to put a staff together. That will be a major job for whoever takes over at Illinois.

Odds: 32:1

PAT NARDUZZI

Michigan State defensive coordinator

Age: 45

Why he fits: In charge of one of the nation's top defenses at Michigan State, helping the Spartans reach the Big Ten title game. ... Right-hand man of Mark Dantonio has learned from one of the best. ... Has the support of his coach, who helped Don Treadwell land a job at Miami (Ohio) after last season. ... Former linebacker at Youngstown State and Rhode Island has coached in Illinois before, spending two seasons as an assistant at Northern Illinois. ... Considered a talented recruiter with a winning personality.

Why he doesn't: Thomas had a chance to hire him when Dantonio left for Michigan State. Instead, Thomas went with Brian Kelly. ... Emphasis on defense might not play well after the previous coach also specialized in that side of the ball. ... Little name recognition outside Michigan. Would generate little positive feelings among the Illini fan base. ... How much of his success at Michigan State is tied to defensive guru Dantonio?

Odds: 45:1

PAUL RHOADS

Iowa State head coach

Age: 44

Why he fits: Emotional speech after upset win against Oklahoma State is an Internet sensation. He had a similar talk after a win at Nebraska in 2009. Can't argue against his passion for the sport or the support from his players. At one point, he shouts, "I am so proud to be your coach." Gold. ... Iowa native has ties to the Midwest, including serving as an Ohio State graduate assistant. ... At a place where it isn't easy to win, he has led Iowa State to bowl games in two of his first three seasons. ... Past stops include Pitt and Auburn. ... An excellent X's and O's coach. ... Charismatic. ... Will win the opening news conference. ... In the tradition of Ray Eliot, he has pulled some upsets in his short time at Iowa State, including wins this year against Oklahoma State and Iowa. ... Talented recruiter who has ventured South and West to fill out the Iowa State roster. The Cyclones have 22 from Texas, 18 from Florida and 14 from California.

Why he doesn't: He grew up about 10 minutes from the Iowa State campus and isn't likely to leave. Most of his family remains in the area, so the school was a dream job. That doesn't mean he won't leave, but it makes it far less likely. ... One area Thomas stressed when talking about his next head coach was conference success. Rhoads hasn't been above .500 in the Big 12 in any of his three seasons as head coach. ... Defense is good, but the fans crave a more exciting offense than what they watched this season. Not sure Rhoads provides that. ... Name won't provoke a stampede to the ticket office.

Odds: 22:1

KEVIN SUMLIN

Houston head coach

Age: 47

Why he fits: He is the hottest name in the coaching ranks, linked to searches at Texas A&M, UCLA and Arizona State. ... Four-year record was 35-16 going into Saturday's Conference USA title game against Southern Miss. Has led the Cougars to bowl games three of his first four years and a perfect regular season in 2011. ... Coaching a strong contender for the Heisman Trophy (Case Keenum). ... Former Purdue linebacker has coached at Minnesota and with the Boilermakers. Though he played defense in college, he has been on the offensive side throughout his coaching career. ... Worked with Bob Stoops at Oklahoma, producing one of the top offenses in the nation. That led to the Houston job. ... Strong personality wins over fans, recruits and media members. He's been a frequent guest on national radio shows despite being in low-profile Conference USA. ... Current salary at Houston ($1.2 million) is low enough that he will appreciate the bump he'll get when changing jobs. ... Because of his perfect season, name recognition is at an all-time high. Would create oodles of buzz.

Why he doesn't: Too many other bidders with deep pockets, starting with Texas A&M. Why would he choose to come to Illinois when the Aggies want him? Arizona State is also a serious player, though coaching in the SEC might be too much to turn down. ... Illinois would have to be down a few spots on his list of possible destinations, unless he is desperate to return to the Big Ten. ... And there are no guarantees he will leave Houston, which likely is moving to the Big East. Right now, he's the big fish in the little pond. His family enjoys living in Texas. ... The one year Keenum was hurt, 2010, the team struggled, finishing below .500. Can he win without his slinger?

Odds: 21:1

WILLIE TAGGART

Western Kentucky head coach

Age: 35

Why he fits: Youngest on the list is winning at Western Kentucky. Never easy. In his second season, the Hilltoppers are bowl eligible for the first time. ... Team is 7-1 after last weekend's win against Troy. ... Bounced back from an 0-4 start to reach second place in the Sun Belt. ... Four-year starting quarterback at Western Kentucky relates well to his players. ... After working five seasons as offensive coordinator at his alma mater, he served on Jim Harbaugh's staff at Stanford. ... Would win over fans with his endless sayings: "Plant the flag," "positive cocoon" and "to beat the man, you've got to be the man" among his favorites.

Why he doesn't: Two years as a head coach isn't a big enough sampling. He needs to take another step before moving into the Big Ten. ... Has only had one job outside of Kentucky. ... No name recognition in C-U or Illinois. Would be far behind in recruiting the state. ... Age would be a factor against him.

Odds: 75:1

KIRBY WILSON

Steelers running backs coach

Age: 50

Why he fits: Former Illini interviewed for the job when Ron Zook was hired. Wonder how it would have gone had the Illini picked him the last time? ... Has spent the last seven years preparing for the next time he had an opportunity to become a head coach at his alma mater. ... Has the backing of Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin. ... During his time with the Steelers, has coached former Illini star Rashard Mendenhall. ... Other NFL stops include the Bucs, Patriots, Cardinals and Redskins. ... Has extensive college coaching experience, working at Southern Cal, Iowa State, Wyoming and Southern Illinois. ... Californian has strong ties in Los Angeles, a city he would hit hard in recruiting. ... Illinois is his dream job. ... Has the strong backing of former Illini from all eras. ... Illinois fans know his name and would want to see one of their own succeed. ... Has coached both offense and defense in college, a plus.

Why he doesn't: In more than two decades in the profession, he has never served as a head coach. That seems to be a priority for Thomas. ... Has been out of the college game since coaching at Southern Cal a decade ago. ... His playing career at Illinois doesn't mean much to the younger set. ... Though he has worked on the offensive staffs of successful NFL teams, he hasn't been a coordinator. Nobody else on this list holds that distinction.

Odds: 14:1