Miami begins process of replacing Coker before firing coach

Miami has begun the process of hiring a new coach by contacting candidates, CBS SportsLine.com has learned.

That would be routine for a team with a vacancy but Miami has yet to formally dispose of current coach Larry Coker. The timing is awkward because it is widely assumed that Coker will be fired at the end of the season.

While schools like Michigan State, Iowa State and North Carolina got rid of their coaches in midseason to expedite the hiring process, it seems that Coker will stay until at least the end of the season. Miami is 5-6 with one game remaining Thursday against Boston College.

The school is believed to have contacted at least one NFL assistant. Rutgers coach Greg Schiano has been mentioned but his representative is in the process of talking to the school's administration about a raise/extension. Schiano has said publicly he intends to stay at Rutgers.

Elsewhere, Michigan State seemingly has settled on NFL assistants Todd Grantham and Patrick Shurmur as the top candidates to fill their opening. Iowa State reportedly has interviewed Nebraska offensive coordinator Jay Norvell and University of San Diego coach Jim Harbaugh.