Ron Mason, the winningest coach in college hockey history who is currently undergoing a trial by fire as the Michigan State Athletic Director, knows a lot about loyalty. If hockey teaches you anything, it is to stick up for your own. But Mason also knows how important control is, and when Bobby Williams lost all handle of the Spartans football team, Mason knew he had to go. Never mind that Mason had guaranteed Williams' safety.

Now, Mason has a chance to put his stamp on a team that has the prestige and resources to be a yearly competitor in the Big Ten race. He'll also look to be sending a message about how the program should be run.

Williams was the ultimate players' coach (they had asked for him after Nick Saban left for LSU), and could never get a strict system working at Michigan State.

Bets are that Mason will look for a bust-'em-up guy this off season, as he has already stated that interim coach Morris Watts won't get the job. A fresh start is needed, and there are a handful of guys Mason will surely take a look at.

The X-factor in the equation is the fact that Williams was one of four black coaches in Div. I-A. The Spartans may come under pressure to at least consider a minority candidate. Luckily, that won't be a problem. Two ex-NFL coaches, a current top-assistant in the pros and a current top assistant at the college level would fit into that minority category, and, even better, all are outstanding candidates. But there are plenty of other choices, and you can bet Mason will find a guy he trusts. It's all about loyalty, after all.

Urban Meyer

Accomplishments: Meyer turned around a Falcons squad that had fallen on hard times (sound familiar?) and led them to an 8-3 record in his first year. He was receivers coach at Notre Dame and Ohio State, so he knows what big-time college football is all about.

Why he will: Meyer is on the fast track to a big school and there won't be one bigger than MSU this off season. Who wouldn't want to coach in a conference with Joe Paterno, Lloyd Carr and Barry Alvarez?

Why he won't: Nobody is sure if Meyer wants to leave Bowling Green after just two seasons. If he does, he'll be Mason's guy.

Mike Stoops

Accomplishments: Continually produces strong defenses that are aggressive and quick. No team has been more dominant on defense than the Sooners in recent years.

Why he will: Stoops is eager to prove that the other brother can get the job done as a head coach. When the time is right, he'll set out on his own.

Why he won't: The time might not be right. What could beat working for your brother at one of the premier schools in the country?

Dennis Green

Accomplishments: Green was one of the most successful coaches in the NFL during the 1990s. Green's message of hard work and desire mixes well with college kids. He's coached at Northwestern and Stanford and done well, despite the stringent academic standards at both schools. Plus, he's African American.

Why he will: Green is another Iowa graduate and has strong ties to the Big Ten and the Midwest region.

Why he won't: May be waiting for a spot to open up in the NFL.

Walt Harris

Accomplishments: Turned the Panthers around since his arrival in 1996, leading them to three bowls in the last five years.

Why he will: Harris might have reached the limits with what he can do at Pittsburgh. The Spartans would offer him better facilities and a stronger recruiting pull.

Why he won't: He's building his own program at Pittsburgh and wants to see the job through.

Steve Mariucci

Accomplishments: Currently in his sixth season with the 49ers, where he has won 12 or more games three times.

Why he will: Mooch is a Michigan State alumnus, where he played quarterback, and is best friends with men's basketball coach Tom Izzo. Also, after handling Terrell Owens' antics, he should be able to handle any crisis that comes his way. Plus his contract with the 49ers is up after the season.

Why he won't: Even though it's been reported Mariucci gets no respect from 49ers management, he has a good gig and it's doubtful they will push him out the door.

Randy Shannon

Accomplishments: Helped build the defense that is now working toward a second straight undefeated season. Won the 2001 Broyles Award, presented to the best assistant coach in the country.

Why he will: After a season of woeful defensive performances, the Spartans would love it if Shannon could give them some backbone.

Why he won't: Shannon might be qualified, but he hasn't generated the kind of buzz surrounding other upper-echelon assistants around the nation.

Fran Ganter

Accomplishments: After 32 years at Penn State under the tutelage of Joe Paterno, there can't be many candidates with more knowledge of the game than Ganter.

Why he will: As offensive coordinator, Ganter presided over the Lions' high-powered attack this season. If he ever wants the chance to have complete control over a program, this is it.

Why he won't: Ganter had the job if he wanted it eight years ago, but passed. Most figure he has his eye on replacing Paterno if the old guy ever steps down.