The first domino of the coaching carousel has fallen, and it may impact a couple of Auburn football assistant coaches: Rhett Lashlee and Dameyune Craig. According to Chip Brown, Clemson offensive coordinator Chad Morris will be the next head coach at SMU.

A high-level #SMU source told me #Clemson OC Chad Morris has agreed to a multi-year contract averaging more than $3 million per year. — Chip Brown (@ChipBrownHD) November 28, 2014

An announcement of Chad Morris as #SMU‘s new head coach likely the first week of December, SMU source told me. — Chip Brown (@ChipBrownHD) November 28, 2014

Once Morris leaves for Dallas – which is expected to happen following the Tigers’ game against South Carolina Saturday – Dabo Swinney will need a new OC. Expect him to take a run at either Lashlee or Craig, the co-coordinators of the Auburn offense.

Why would Lashlee or Craig be candidates at Clemson? That’s pretty easy to answer. Both are talented young coaches with bright futures ahead of them as play-callers and eventually as head coaches. Both have built solid relationships with the players in their position groups and both are very good recruiters.

Perhaps most importantly, both have spent time learning Gus Malzahn’s offensive system, which has been one of the best in college football across the last two seasons and shares some similarities with the offense Morris ran at Clemson. If either were hired at Clemson, and planned to run the Auburn offense, it would make for a pretty smooth transition.

But why would either leave Auburn for Clemson? It seems like a lateral move on paper.

However, while both Lashlee and Craig have the title of co-offensive coordinator, neither truly calls the plays for the Tigers. Gus Malzahn does. Taking a true OC job elsewhere would allow Lashlee or Craig to gain experience as a play-caller and step out from Malzahn’s shadow. It would also boost their resumes for eventual head coaching opportunities.

The Clemson offensive coordinator position is a prestigious one, and there will be no shortage of candidates for Swinney to choose from. But, don’t be surprised to hear one or two Auburn offensive assistants mentioned as potential hires. And don’t be surprised if one of them takes it.