STANFORD, Calif. (AP) -Bob Bowlsby hopes his search for Stanford's new football coach works out as well as it did the last time he hired one.

Eight years ago as athletic director at Iowa, Bowlsby hired Kirk Ferentz, who has become one of the most highly regarded coaches in the game. So it's no surprise what kind of coach Bowlsby is looking for to replace Walt Harris at Stanford.

``If I could move Kirk Ferentz here, I'd be happy,'' Bowlsby said Monday when he announced Harris' firing.

``I think he has an awful lot of the characteristics I'm going to be looking for in our new coach: the integrity, the work ethic, the honesty, the teaching ability and the ability to shape young football players to become great athletes.''

But Bowlsby also knows that Ferentz isn't about to leave the Hawkeyes to join him at Stanford, so he'll have to settle on finding the closest thing.

Bowlsby said he has his own ``short list'' of candidates heading into the search but is remaining tightlipped about who those people are.

Some of the names being bandied about include Tennessee Titans offensive coordinator Norm Chow, a finalist when Harris was hired; Texas Tech coach Mike Leach; Tulsa coach Steve Kragthorpe; Denver Broncos tight ends coach Tim Brewster; UCLA defensive coordinator DeWayne Walker; and San Diego coach Jim Harbaugh, whose father once was an assistant coach at Stanford.

The decision to fire Harris was the first major move for Bowlsby since arriving at Stanford in July. The search for Harris' replacement will allow Bowlsby to put his imprint on the program.

``The Stanford program is an absolutely terrific program in many different ways,'' he said. ``But I think it's hard to declare yourself the best in the country when you don't win consistently in the sports that people covet like football, men's and women's basketball, volleyball and baseball, where the fan support is really substantial.''

For many players, the new coach will be the third they have had in their time at Stanford. Buddy Teevens was coach from 2002-04 before he was fired and replaced by Harris.

While that has been difficult, the players welcome the regime change.

``Coming to Stanford I didn't think I'd have three head coaches in my time here,'' quarterback T.C. Ostrander said. ``Obviously, that wasn't the plan. It's a challenge. I'm excited for the new coach to be here. I'm excited to work here and see what I can do.''

Harris' style clashed with Stanford's players, who complained of a lack of communication with the coaching staff.

``We need someone who really understands the kind of guys we have on this team,'' receiver Evan Moore said. ``Not only are they very good football players, but they're bright. It might be different from around the country. Instead of going against it and butting heads with guys like that, just embrace it.''

Stanford hasn't had a coach able to do that since Tyrone Willingham left following the 2001 season. They've had five losing campaigns since then under Teevens and Harris.

While some say the rigid academic standards are a hindrance to recruiting, analysts believe otherwise.

``I think it's a benefit not a hurdle,'' said Bobby Burton, of Rivals.com. ``I think the Stanford football coach should shout from the rooftop about their academics. If you don't embrace it, you have no place at Stanford.''

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