It's no secret that former Rutgers coach Greg Schiano is a candidate for the head coaching vacancy at Michigan. But most reports indicate that Schiano would be on the second-tier after candidates like San Francisco 49ers coach Jim Harbaugh and LSU coach Les Miles.

NFL.com senior analyst Gil Brandt doesn't see things that way. Brandt said Friday that Schiano could emerge as a front-runner for the opening at the winningest program in college football history.

My wildcard for #Michigan is Greg Schiano, might even be front-runner. Will get excellent recommendations from high-powered #NFL coaches — Gil Brandt (@Gil_Brandt) December 5, 2014

Schiano can count on a recommendation from close friend Bill Belichick. The Patriots coach twice recommended Schiano for the Cleveland Brown's opening in the offseason. Schiano can also count on the support of Ohio State coach Urban Meyer.

Schiano's image has been on the mend after he crashed and burned in two seasons with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He was fired last December after a disastrous season, which was marred by complaints about the disciplinarian's coaching methods.

Schiano granted an in-depth interview with Sports Illustrated that highlighted some of the lessons he's learned. Brandt indicated that he's heard positive feedback on Schiano as well.

Everyone I talked to say Schiano's a changed man, that he learned some hard lessons at his last 2 stops. I know this: He's a great coach. — Gil Brandt (@Gil_Brandt) December 5, 2014

Brandt is highly respected in the football world. The 81-year-old was the vice president of player personnel for the Dallas Cowboys from 1960-88.

While there haven't been any reports that Michigan's interim athletic director Jim Hackett has started interviewing candidates, Schiano's name seems to be gaining steam in media reports. A CBSSports.com breakdown of the Michigan candidates arrived at the conclusion that Schiano will most likely end up as the Wolverines' next coach.

Dan Duggan may be reached at dduggan@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @DDuggan21. Find NJ.com Rutgers Football on Facebook.