NAMES TO NOTE

Houston Chronicle staff writer Joseph Duarte looks at potential candidates to replace Tom Herman as University of Houston football coach:

DANA HOLGORSEN

Currently: West Virginia head coach Current salary: $2.98 million Comment: HasH ties to UH, having spent two seasons as offensive play-caller under Kevin Sumlin. Word is he would seriously consider a move from Morgantown; he turned down a contract extension this year.

ART BRILES

Currently: Unemployed Comment: The former Baylor coach is toxic at the moment following a sexual-assault scandal that cost him and other top administrators their jobs this year. Briles resurrected the UH football program from 2003-07, posting a 34-28 record with one Conference USA title and three bowl appearances. Briles has the support of some big-money UH boosters, according to multiple sources.

DAN MULLEN

Currently: Mississippi State head coach Current salary: $4.2 million Comment: He has the hardest job in the SEC West, which is considered the toughest division in the nation with Alabama and LSU. He’s regarded as a great offensive mind and quarterback developer, having worked with Heisman Trophy winner Tim Tebow at Florida and Dak Prescott at Mississippi State. It could be time for a move.

MIKE LEACH

Currently: Washington State head coach Current salary: $2.95 million Comment: IsI it time for the Pirate to come back to Texas? He had tremendous success at Texas Tech with his high-scoring offenses and seems to get more without an abundance of resources.

PHILLIP MONTGOMERY

Currently: Tulsa head coach Current salary: N/A Comment: In his first head coaching job, Montgomery has turned things around, going 9-3 in his second season. He is said to have lofty career aspirations in regard to climbing the coaching ladder.

LINCOLN RILEY

Currently: Oklahoma offensive coordinator Current salary: $850,000 Comment: If you are looking to go the Tom Herman route again, Riley could be the guy as one of the nation’s top assistants. He’s an Air Raid disciple with ties to the state from his days at Texas Tech.

TODD ORLANDO

Currently: Houston interim coach/defensive coordinator Current salary: $526,000 Comment: Will coach the Cougars in their bowl and has expressed interest in the job. His defensive credentials carry weight. His interview packet should include game film of Florida State, Oklahoma and Louisville games.

MAJOR APPLEWHITE

Currently: Houston offensive coordinator Current salary: $375,000 Comment: Applewhite has been a coordinator at multiple Power Five schools and has head coaching aspirations. His roots in Texas and Louisiana can help in recruiting.

SONNY DYKES

Currently: California head coach Current salary: $2.9 million Comment: Has been a candidate for the UH job the past two times. He’s recently been open to looking elsewhere (Missouri) and would consider a move from Berkeley.