Pat Narduzzi expected to be in the mix for Cincinnati head coaching job

Cincinnati head coach Butch Jones has agreed in principle to coach at Tennessee, and Michigan State Spartans defensive coordinator Pat Narduzzi is expected to get a look when interviews begin for the job to replace Jones.

Narduzzi used to serve as the defensive coordinator for the Bearcats during Mark Dantonio's tenure at the school, so now he's expected to get a call when Cincinnati starts the search, according to Bruce Feldman of CBS Sports:

With Butch Jones leaving Cincy, expect Mich St DC (& former UC DC) Pat Narduzzi to get the first call abt Bearcats vacancy.

— Bruce Feldman (@BFeldmanCBS) December 7, 2012

Accroding to Pete Thamel of SI, another early candidate for the Cincinnati job is Bowling Green Falcons head coach Dave Clawson.

Narduzzi has led the Michigan St. defense to a top 10 national FBS ranking in point prevention this season -- the Spartans' defense ranks No. 10 in the FBS at 16.3 points allowed per game.

Michigan St. is set to take on TCU in the Buffalo Wild Wings Bowl on Dec. 29 at 10:15 p.m. ET on ESPN.