3 schools that could instantly pursue Chip Kelly

Chip Kelly is no longer the head coach of the San Francisco 49ers, which means the two-time NFL bench boss is in need of a new home.

Though a return to the college ranks - especially at this point in time, as the NCAA coaching carousel appears to have stopped - seems far-fetched, three programs could try to bring the former Oregon mastermind back to school sooner rather than later:

1. Texas A&M

Texas A&M has seemed ready to part with Kevin Sumlin for a while, but continues to hang onto him with an obvious replacement candidate nowhere to be found. Unlike various other programs that would love to go after Kelly in theory but couldn't afford to do so, Texas A&M has the financial resources to buy out Sumlin and pay Kelly handsomely to take over. Meanwhile, the bright lights of the SEC West could be enough for Kelly to pick up the phone if the Aggies come calling.

2. Auburn

Though an appearance in the Sugar Bowl looks nice for Auburn on the surface, a loss Monday to Oklahoma would, ominously, give Gus Malzahn his third straight season with five or more losses. Malzahn was thought to be coaching for his job earlier in the campaign before a bunch of wins took him off the hot seat, but he figures to enter next year on thin ice regardless of how the Sugar Bowl pans out. Auburn is desperate for an offensive turnaround, making Kelly an obvious target for the Tigers if they shed Malzahn early.

3. Notre Dame

Rumors of Brian Kelly's willingness to leave Notre Dame for greener pastures (aka the NFL) would have to turn out to be true, but it's hard to envision Chip turning down a blue blood like the one in South Bend if it comes vacant and he's still unemployed. With a third NFL head coaching opportunity unlikely to find Chip any time soon, it's hard to believe he'd reject one of the most storied programs in NCAA football history.