Posted by: Josh Kendall on November 9, 2012

The coaching carousel season is beginning to get warmed up. There already are a dozen schools who officially are looking for coaches, including eight at the Division I level

Arkansas (SEC): Razorbacks athletic director Jeff Long has made it known he will not retain John L. Smith after this season, and he's been searching the landscape for weeks looking for a new coach. Here's the latest on that search. (10:50 am Friday Update: Within the last few minutes, Pete Roussel is now reporting that Gary Patterson has indeed emerged as the leading candidate for the Arkansas head coaching job)

Kentucky (SEC): Athletic director Mitch Barnhart announced his decision to dismiss Joker Phillips on Sunday, following a 40-0 loss to Vanderbilt. Barnhart announced he would begin his search for a new coach immediately.

Idaho (WAC): Idaho has had an opening the longest of any FBS school, having parted ways with Robb Akey in late October. Offensive coordinator Jason Gesser is finishing the season as interim coach.

Georgia State (CAA and FCS in 2012, Sun Belt and FBS transitional in 2013): Veteran coach Bill Curry will retire after Saturday's game at Maine. Curry has been the only coach in the program's history, starting the program in 2010.

Florida A&M (MEAC, FCS): Coach Joe Taylor had previously announced his plans to retire at the end of the season but said this week that he is stepping down immediately. Taylor is retiring with a 233-96-4 career record. Defensive coordinator Earl Holmes will serve as interim coach in the final two games. Athletic director Derek Horne said Holmes will be a candidate for the permanent job.

UC-Davis (Big Sky, FCS): Bob Biggs is retiring at the end of the year after 20 years with the Aggies. Athletic director Terry Turner has announced a search committee and said the ideal candidate will have a "student-first" philosophy. Current co-offensive coordinator and wide receivers coach Kevin Daft is a candidate in a search that seems to be moving quickly.

Southern University (SWAC, FCS): Coach Stump Mitchell was reassigned by athletic director William Broussard in September. Defensive coordinator Dawson Odums was named interim coach.

Davidson (Pioneer League, FCS): Coach Tripp Merritt was dismissed after a 1-8 start to the season. Defensive line coach Brett Hayford, the associate head coach the last eight years and a Davidson graduate, is serving as interim coach. Athletic director Jim Murphy has not announced a timetable to hire a successor.

Fayetteville State (CIAA, Division II): Coach Kenny Phillips was reassigned by athletic director Edward McLean on Thursday. McLean announced a committee would be formed and a nationwide search would begin as quickly as possible.

Pearl River Junior College: Coach Tim Hatten resigned after 10 seasons following a 3-6 finish this year. School president William Lewis said a search would begin immediately.

Dodge City Community College: Coach Bob Majeski was not retained following the season. Athletic director Casey Malek said linebackers coach Rusty Morgan is the only assistant coach who will have his contract renewed.

Mississippi Delta Junior College: Head coach Todd Lott resigned citing personal reasons. The school has not announced any details about its search.

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Josh Kendall is a staff writer for CoachingSearch.com and has covered the SEC for more than 15 years for papers such as the Athens Banner-Herald, Macon Telegraph, and The State. He’s the father of two boys who he’s hoping don’t inherit his wide receiver frame and offensive guard feet. Follow @EyeOnCoaches on twitter and send your feedback to josh@coachingsearch.com