It’s probably a bittersweet moment to be a knife right now in Seattle. On one hand, USC’s Pete Carroll has immediately become the leading candidate to replace Jim Mora as Seattle Seahawks head coach.

Pass the knife so I can cut some brie.

On the other hand, if Carroll goes, Washington’s soon-to-be second-year coach Steve Sarkisian becomes a candidate to replace Carroll at USC.

Pass the knife so I can plunge it into my chest.

We’ve been down this road before with Carroll dancing with potential NFL partners during his nine years at USC. Like that’s going to stop us from probing possible replacements should Carroll leave for Seattle.

Who are Carroll’s likely successors at USC?

Mike Riley: I’m convinced Riley will stay at Oregon State. Unlike most coaches who say they’re happy where they’re at, Riley really is happy to coach in the city where he grew up, Corvallis. But if there is a job that might pique his interest, it’s USC. Riley has ties to the program as a former coordinator, and his offense fits the Trojans like a glove. Best of all, Riley wouldn’t be that expensive.

Jon Gruden: USC is as close as there is to a pro job in college football. Gruden is a West coast guy, and while he seems remarkably content in the television booth, jobs like USC aren’t often available.

Steve Sarkisian: Probably a long shot as he has only one year of head coaching experience. But in that one year, Sarkisian is quickly proving his recruiting chops. They know him well at USC as a long-time assistant under Carroll. If USC calls, Sarkisian will answer the phone and talk, even if he has a stud senior returning in Jake Locker.

Jeff Fisher: The former USC defensive back has revived the Tennessee Titans, but he’s also been at that gig since 1994. Maybe a high profile change scenery with no loss in salary would interest Fisher.

Bob Stoops: Another coach who might welcome a change of scenery, and perhaps, a program upgrade. USC might be a little concerned that Stoops runs a spread offense, but he’s good enough to adjust.

Jim Mora: He has ties to the Pac-10 as a former player at Washington, and while in the NFL, expressed a desire to coach the Huskies. Picking an NFL coach off the scrap pile worked last time for USC.

Bill Cowher: He’s probably not interested in coaching college football, but as we said with Gruden, USC is as close as it gets to pro football. You would have to wonder how he’d handle the recruiting game, though.

Lane Kiffin: We doubt it, but man, wouldn’t that be fun in LA with Kiffin and UCLA’s Rick Neuheisel trading insults?

Tyrone Willingham: Just checking to see if you read this far.

Who USC won’t call: Chip Kelly of Oregon and Rich Rodriguez of Michigan. The Trojans are not interested in coaches with gimmicky offenses. They’re all about Student Body Right and pro-style attacks, and neither is a staple of the Kelly and RichRod way.