Mike Neu replacements: 3 potential candidates to replace fired Ball State HC 

Ball State football announced on Saturday morning that coach Mike Neu has been fired. The decision comes while the Cardinals (3-7) are on an open week, with only two games left in the campaign. This is the fourth straight losing season for the team under Neu.

Ball State Athletics has decided to buy out the final year of Neu's contract, which was set to expire after the 2025 season, and was reportedly set to pay him $550,000. Offensive line coach Colin Johnson will serve as interim head coach while Ball State conducts its coaching search.

Mike Neu was the third-longest tenured coach in program history, as he coached a total of 105 games after taking over for Pete Lembo before the 2016 season. His 40 wins are the fourth-most in Ball State coaching history. However, with Neu now removed, the Cardinals will need to find a replacement.

Three possible replacements for Mike Neu

The new coach will likely be hired in the offseason. Here are three possible replacements for Mike Neu.

#1 Mike Denbrock

Notre Dame offensive coordinator Mike Denbrock could be a good option if he is interested. Although he has never been a head coach at the collegiate level, he has been an associate head coach. He specializes in working with offensive linemen, tight ends and wide receivers.

#2 Jason Eck

Idaho coach Jason Eck is one of the top coaches in the FCS and already has experience at Ball State, as an offensive line coach from 2009 to 2010. In his third season at Idaho, Eck has been leading the program to winning seasons each year. He has proven he can take a program to the next level, which is what Ball State needs.

#3 Van Malone

Kansas State assistant coach Van Malone has not been a head coach at the collegiate level but has plenty of experience with several FBS programs. Malone specializes as a defensive passing game coordinator and cornerbacks coach. He has been at Kansas State since 2019.

Before his time at Kansas State, he coached at Mississippi State, SMU, Oklahoma State, Tulsa, Texas A&M, North Texas and Western Michigan.