Cristobal, Foster, Bradley, Chryst, Austin & Rhoads among names to keep an eye on in early stages of Pitt's search

Pitt's coaching search to replace the departed Todd Graham will begin immediately and some top candidates from last years coaching search will be on Pitt's radar once again.

Athletic director Steve Pederson who many are calling to resign, will hold a press conference at 5:30 p.m. Pitt has named Keith Patterson interim head coach.

What's going to be very intriguing with this search is whether Pitt will be enamored once again with an offensive minded spread offense type of coach and whether there will be more of an emphasis on getting a "safe coach" with Pitt ties.

Here are some early names sources believe will be on Pitt's shortlist of candidates.

Florida International head coach Mario Cristobal - 41 years old, a hot name in coaching circles who Pitt looked into last year but didn't emerge as a top candidate. Cristobal is intriguing from the standpoint that he's considered an excellent recruiter in Florida, and with Pitt's eventual move to the ACC, becoming a force on the recruiting scene in Florida is an area Pitt looks to improve. Last year Pitt officials were enamored on hiring a spread offense type of coach and if they want to continue that trend, Cristobal makes a lot of sense with his spread offense background. Cristobal has led FIU to an 8-4 season and Sun Belt Bowl Berth. He signed a five year extension through the 2016 season in August.

Penn State interim head coach Tom Bradley - Scheduled to coach Penn State in their bowl game and was a top candidate along with Todd Graham last season and will get another strong look if Penn State doesn’t hire him. Defensive minded coach who is an excellent recruiter in the area, highly regarded by his players and a safe pick from the standpoint that he would likely be here for the long haul. However, I'm prepared to make an argument in another feature that Pitt should stay away from Bradley due to the Sandusky fiasco.

Virginia Tech defensive coordinator Bud Foster - - 52 years old, A potential underrated candidate who interviewed with Pitt last season. A great recruiter in the ACC, whose defenses often ranks among the nations best. Has been defensive coordinator with the Hokies since 1995, and with the program since 1987. Will be tough to get him to leave but Foster considered Pitt last season and could be intrigued by Pitt's move to the ACC. Like Bradley, going in Foster's direction would be a change in philosophy from last year in going with a defensive minded coach.