Texas A&M's Dennis Franchione isn't out of the woods. He failed his first test of a big November, losing at home to Oklahoma. Let's just say it would be advisable to win out over Nebraska at home and at Texas. If Fran doesn't, the winds of change could blow in College Station. A good fit to take over is former Green Bay Packers coach Mike Sherman, who's the current assistant head coach/offense of the Houston Texans. Sherman hasn't coached in college since leaving A&M following a two-year stint in 1995-96 as the offensive line coach. He also coached the line in College Station from 1989-93.

Now, it's another matter if he takes the job. Mariucci long has been connected to MSU, given his relationship with hoops coach Tom Izzo and the fact he's a native son. But Mariucci just doesn't seem like a good fit for the college game. And especially at a place like Michigan State, which needs a butt-kicking disciplinarian.

The North Carolina job remains on Butch Davis' plate. He was in Chapel Hill visiting on Tuesday, and Davis also is contacting coaches about joining his staff. But he could say "no thanks" and wait for a more attractive college gig like, say, Alabama or Texas A&M to open. Davis is a win-now coach, meaning he'd prefer to take over a program he can turn around quickly. That sure doesn't sound like North Carolina. But Miami fills that bill. Davis would like to be involved if the Miami job opens, but I was told Davis likely burned too many bridges in Coral Gables with the way he left after the 2000 season. What if the Dallas Cowboys job opens? Is Davis viable? I was told he possibly could be, but only as a tier-two candidate.

Is there a better coach in the nation than Wake Forest's Jim Grobe? I think not. He hasn't been contacted by any schools this fall. Grobe wouldn't leave Wake for a similar job. In fact, I'm told, Grobe is very happy at Wake and only would consider leaving if the offer was a "slam dunk."

No doubt, Arizona State Dirk Koetter's collar is tightening. Getting hammered at Oregon State isn't a good thing for a coach who never has taken the Sun Devils to the next level. I'm told it's vital he beats Arizona in the season finale. But, will that even be enough?

Stanford is getting antsy with Walt Harris. The guy is staring at an 0-12 record and has won one home game in his nearly two years on The Farm. Add to the fact the Cardinal is playing in a new stadium that isn't full, and Harris could be facing an uncomfortable season-ending evaluation that could result in him losing his job.

Earlier this week that former Detroit Lions coach Marty Mornhinweg would be willing to coach in college, as long as it was at a legit BCS program. He's currently the Philadelphia Eagles assistant head coach/offensive coordinator. College Football news.

Remember the name: Bobby Houck. He's the head coach at Montana, and he's dang good. Houck has had a couple of teams inquire about his services this fall. That's nothing new, as I'm told the rising young coach has had four to five suitors each of the past two seasons. But Houck isn't gonna jump for just any ol' Division I-A job. It's gotta be a good gig. No doubt, I get the vibe that it's not if, but when, Houck leaves Montana.

As more jobs open, don't forget about Baltimore Ravens quarterbacks coach Rick Neuheisel. Yeah, Slick Rick has some baggage, but he's a big, splashy name who can flat-out coach. A struggling program desperate for appeal no doubt has to consider Neuheisel. He grew up in the Phoenix area, knows the Pac-10 and Arizona State could be in the market for a coach … hey, I'm just thinking out loud here.