10 college assistants who could be head coaches in 2019

The 2018 college football regular season is essentially finished, and the bowl season is nearing commencement. There's also another season within the conclusion of the college football campaign that's picking up steam: the coaching season.

Coaches get fired; new ones get hired. It's a timeless tradition but one that's fun to keep an eye on. Already we've seen some huge hires — yes, we're talking Les Miles at Kansas. And there will be plenty more news by the time a national champion is crowned on Jan. 7.

But not all have to be big names. There are plenty of qualified assistant coaches and coordinators capable of running a major program. Already, two of the more high-profiled assistants, Alabama offensive coordinator Mike Locksley and Georgia defensive coordinator Mel Tucker, are set to run programs at Maryland and Colorado, respectively, next season. Plus, Ryan Day will take over for the retiring Urban Meyer at Ohio State.

So here's a look at 10 more assistants who may also have head coaching jobs in 2019:

Dave Aranda, LSU defensive coordinator

Now why would an assistant who makes more than most head coaches around the country want the increased responsibility and pressure that comes with being the top man? There's ego and the challenge of it all. Aranda has a good thing going at LSU, which up until the Texas A&M overtime free-for-all, was giving up 16.1 points per contest. Aranda has plenty of experience, and perhaps now is the time to finally take that next step.

Matt Canada, Maryland offensive coordinator/former interim head coach 

Amid all the ugliness that was Maryland football this season, Canada ran the team and led the Terrapins to a 5-7 record. He reportedly was in the mix for the full-time Maryland gig and also for Louisville's open position, which was filled by former Appalachian State boss Scott Satterfield. Canada has been around, running offenses at Wisconsin and LSU, to name a couple, and he showed he can handle even the toughest of situations.

Tony Elliott, Clemson co-offensive coordinator

The 2017 winner of the Broyles Award, honoring the nation's top assistant coach, Elliott reportedly is in the running for the Georgia Tech job. Elliott and fellow OC Jeff Scott are in charge of a Clemson offense that ranks fifth, averaging 45.5 points, and boasts two of the game's top players in sophomore running back Travis Etienne and freshman quarterback Trevor Lawrence. Elliott likely will have his pick of jobs. Could that come sooner than later?

Pep Hamilton, Michigan passing-game coordinator

A reported finalist for the Maryland job, Hamilton has both college and NFL experience. He's currently overseeing quarterbacks and the overall direction of the passing game for the Wolverines, whose team passer rating of 153.7 ranks second in the Big Ten. Hamilton also spent time as the Indianapolis Colts offensive coordinator and held the same position at Stanford. It seems like a matter of time before Hamilton will be running his own program.

Jimmy Lake, Washington defensive coordinator

Following two seasons as the Huskies co-DC, Lake has the defense all to his own in 2018. He didn't disappoint in a solo role, as Washington ranked fifth nationally, allowing 15.5 points per game, and 12th in total defense (301.8 yards per game). Lake has also spent time on NFL coaching staffs but seems destined to earn a head coaching job on the collegiate level.

Jim Leavitt, Oregon defensive coordinator

The man in charge of guiding a Ducks defense that ranks among the national leaders with 22 forced turnovers continues to be linked to various coaching vacancies at the moment. Another assistant with both NCAA and NFL coaching experience, Leavitt improved an Oregon defense that allowed an average of 41.4 points in 2016 to 29.0 in his first season as DC last year and 27.0 in 2018.

Chip Long, Notre Dame offensive coordinator

The Broyles Award candidate is one of the rising assistants in the business and should be running his own team soon. In 2016, Notre Dame averaged a respectable 30.9 points, but with Long — who was Memphis' OC for one season — in charge of the offense since then, it scored 34.2 (2017) and 33.8 ('18) per contest.

Ricky Rahne, Penn State offensive coordinator

Though it wouldn't be a total surprise if Rahne gets a head coaching spot next season, he might be a year or so away. As quarterbacks coach for the Nittany Lions, Rahne helped groom Christian Hackenberg and then Trace McSorley. Under his guidance in 2018, Penn State ranked third in the Big Ten, averaging 34.6 points, and had a league-best 33 rushing touchdowns.

Bob Shoop, Mississippi State defensive coordinator

Shoop has head coaching experience, though his three-year run at Columbia (7-23) from 2003-05 was pretty forgettable. He's another assistant with a hefty salary, but Shoop has a strong resume after guiding successful defenses at Vanderbilt and Penn State. His 2018 Bulldogs unit ranks third in the country in total defense (268.4) and has not allowed a touchdown in its last 10 quarters.

Brent Venables, Clemson defensive coordinator

When you're in charge of one of the nation's best units and perhaps the most talented defensive line in the history of the game, your name will usually be mentioned in head-coaching openings quite often. Then again, the 2016 Broyles Award winner has a pretty sweet deal with the Tigers. Over the summer, Venables earned a five-year deal worth a total of $11.6 million, which means job security is not a problem. But a new challenge could be enticing.