It appears that Les Miles isn't the only major candidate for the open Houston head coaching position.
ESPN reported on Thursday that in addition to Miles, Alabama offensive coordinator Lane Kiffin is emerging as the other strong candidate for the position.
Former LSU coach Les Miles has been contacted about Houston's head coach vacancy and Alabama offensive coordinator Lane Kiffin has also emerged as a candidate, sources told ESPN.
Related: Report: Lane Kiffin has been connected to another job, and this one could be perfect for him
ESPN does not verify if Kiffin has been offered the position or if the school has actually been in contact with him. ESPN did specify that Houston hopes to have made a hire by the middle of next week, as they hope to move on quickly after former coach Tom Herman left to take the job at Texas.
Kiffin and Houston would make a great fit for each other considering the circumstances. Kiffin is still a young coach that could use another head coaching job on his resume, and Houston is loaded with talent in a non-Power 5 conference. While Kiffin likely wouldn't be a permanent fixture with the Cougars, it would be a rehab stint that could benefit both parties.
Kiffin has also been rumored for other positions, such as the head coaching job at Oregon. Oregon fired head coach Mark Helfrich on Tuesday.