Mississippi Rebels head coach Lane Kiffin is among several college coaches drawing speculation about recent NFL openings. Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports

Speculation swirling around several college coaches amid NFL firings

By Chelena Goldman | Last updated Jan 10, 2022 2:26 PM ET

With multiple NFL teams letting go of their head coaches on Monday, there is already plenty of speculation as to who will fill those roles.

And while many coaches already in the NFL could have their chance at getting hired, there is also plenty of chatter that some of college football's most recognizable shot-callers could be in line for one of the open coaching jobs.

Of course, the CFB coach getting the most attention right now is Jim Harbaugh, given he has been mentioned in NFL coaching rumors through pretty much his entire tenure at the University of Michigan. After tallying a 44-19-1 coaching record with the 49ers, it's no wonder another NFL team would want him on their sidelines.

There was early talk that he was being targeted by the Miami Dolphins, particularly because he has a relationship with Dolphins GM and Michigan alum Stephen Ross. However, Ross was quick to shut that idea down on Monday following the firing of Brian Flores.

I understand why people are tying Brian Flores’ firing to Jim Harbaugh’s availability, but I’m told the Dolphins move on Flores is totally unrelated. Steve Ross won’t be the owner that poaches Harbaugh from Michigan.
— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) January 10, 2022

But Harbaugh isn't the only college coach with an NFL past who is linked to coaching rumors. Ole Miss head coach Lane Kiffin has also entered the conversation given his recent success at the collegiate level -- despite the fact his NFL coaching record with the Raiders was a pretty dismal 5-15.

Not attempting to break any news, but there has been consistent chatter from many corners of football circles about...

Ole Miss head coach Lane Kiffin https://t.co/xtBlPPcKBH
— Brad Spielberger, Esq. (@PFF_Brad) January 10, 2022

I would not be surprised if Lane Kiffin at least interviews for an NFL opening. I don’t even think I’d be surprised if he took a job. The extension does not tie him down at Ole Miss
— Simon Gibbs (@SimonGibbs26) January 10, 2022

Northwestern head coach Pat Fitzgerald has been part of the rumor mill for weeks now, being connected to the Chicago Bears long before Chicago fired Matt Nagy.

I declare open the Games of Will Pat Fitzgerald Leave Northwestern to Take the Bears Job https://t.co/wPR2haE4D3
— Ella Brockway (@ellabrockway) January 10, 2022

Fitzgerald isn't the only college coach being linked to the Bears, either, with Ohio State's Ryan Day also popping up in coaching rumors.

With the Matt Nagy firing expect for the Chicago Bears to attempt to lure Ohio State’s Ryan Day or Michigan’s Jim Harbaugh back into the NFL.

The NFL cycle starting to spin could have another huge effect on college football.
— Carl Reed (@CoachReed314) January 10, 2022

Of course, this is all just speculation ahead of teams beginning the interview process. Still, it will be very intriguing to see which college coaches get pursued by NFL teams -- and which of those coaches land those jobs.

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