Why would Mullens fit? The overall success of the Ducks would be attractive to Nebraska administrators, who say they want to win championships across the board. Mullens also is well acquainted with Scott Frost, current Central Florida head coach and former Oregon offensive coordinator. That should please the group that wants Frost to return to NU.

» Jamie Pollard, Iowa State: Here is another guy who knows the Big Ten, despite spending the past 13 years in the Big 12. Pollard, 52, grew up in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, and was a champion distance runner at UW-Oshkosh. He worked in athletic administration at Saint Louis, Maryland and Wisconsin before signing on at ISU.

Pollard has national respect among his peers as someone who does a lot with fewer resources than many have. He has tripled athletic department revenues during his term, expanded the football stadium, got fans to fill the seats and has made some splash coaching hires, such as Fred Hoiberg in men’s basketball.

Why would Pollard fit? He has strong familiarity with Nebraska and the Big Ten. Also, at his age and number of years at Iowa State, this might be prime time to take another position.