From retirement, to health issues, to just plain getting fired, the 2015 college football season has shown us that there are many coaching changes coming on the horizon.

Which programs are the most appealing for potential head coach candidates? 

1. USC

Since Pete Carroll's departure in 2010, the football program at USC has never fully recovered. Through NCAA sanctions, Lane Kiffin, and most recently Steve Sarkisian, the Trojans have had their share of ups and downs.

However, USC is still the most attractive opening for many reasons. Southern California's football program has a long history of success, and is one of the most well-known programs in the nation. 

When it comes to recruiting, USC consistently brings in Top 10 classes every year, no matter who is coaching. You don't have to look very far to find talent when you are in California, a state that consistently produces elite recruits.

As far as the competition goes, the PAC-12 conference is obviously nothing to scoff at. But, it would be hard to argue that it is the toughest conference to play in. 

The expectations at USC will always be high, but they have surely been tempered by the Trojans' recent struggles.

2. Virginia Tech

Virginia Tech has to hire a new head coach for the first time in nearly 30 years, as legendary coach Frank Beamer announced his retirement earlier this season.

Following a man who is responsible for putting a program on the map is not an easy task by any means.

The good news is that Coach Beamer is leaving behind a program that is still in good shape. Unlike other schools on this list, Virginia Tech does not need to be brought back to life, it is already in a position for immediate success.

This success needs to come early however, as Virginia Tech faces 2016 tests against Tennessee and Notre Dame.

3. Miami

Like USC, Miami is a once-powerful program that has fallen on hard times. After being shutout 58-0 to Clemson, Miami decided to part ways with Al Golden. 

Miami remains a desirable job for many of the same reasons that USC does. A history of success goes a long way, no matter how much your program has struggled in recent years.

Also like USC, Miami can recruit highly talented players without having to look beyond their own state. 

Coaching for the Hurricanes provides a lot of upside, but it is not the best option on this list because Miami lacks the fan support that other programs offer.

4. South Carolina

Like Frank Beamer, Coach Steve Spurrier decided to call it quits this season. Also like Beamer, Spurrier was key in turning his program around.

South Carolina is number four on this list because of the tough competition they face. Playing in the SEC East doesn't look like it will be getting any easier in the future with resurgent teams such as Florida and Tennessee.

The Gamecocks also look to be trending downward. Spurrier was able to lead them to three straight 11-win seasons from 2011 to 2013, but last year they finished 7-6. In 2015, they currently sit at 3-5. 

Whoever takes this job will have to bring in the talent necessary to stay competitive in the SEC.

5. Maryland

This position was between Maryland, UCF, and Minnesota. Maryland gets the 5th spot because they seem to have the most potential out of the three programs.

The potential stems from the fact that Maryland is now a member of the Big Ten. While the Terrapins are still trying to prove that they belong in the conference, it is a huge selling point in terms of recruiting.

Furthermore, Maryland has received a huge boost through donations from alumnus Kevin Plank, CEO of Under Armor. These donations have given Maryland state-of-the-art facilities. The only thing missing from the equation is a coach that can win.