As the Arizona State football team appears to move closer to filling one coordinator position, might another one open up?

Football Scoop reported Friday that ASU defensive coordinator Danny Gonzales, who has extensive ties to the New Mexico football program, is one of two “strong candidates” for the Lobos head coaching position.

Curtis Luper, who is the co-offensive coordinator and running backs coach at TCU, is the other, according to the site.

The report, written by Zach Barnett, said that both have interviewed for the position, but said “we understand at least one additional candidate remains in play as well.”

New Mexico went 2-10 in 2019 and 3-9 in the two seasons before that under coach Bob Davie. The school and Davie parted ways in late November.

Gonzales’ name immediately came up as a potential candidate for the position.

Gonzales played at New Mexico and coached as a graduate assistant there from 1999 to 2002.

He also spent 2003 to 2005 as the team’s video coordinator and coached safeties, kickers, punters and long snappers from 2006 to 2008 at the school before going to San Diego State in 2011.

He joined Herm Edwards’ staff at ASU in 2018.

Gonzales addressed the speculation in early December.

“I’m the defensive coordinator here at Arizona State,” Gonzales said. “I do love this place. I was taught a long time ago, between (former New Mexico defensive coordinator and current Virginia head coach) Bronco Mendenhall and (former New Mexico State head coach and current San Diego State head coach) Rocky (Long) that when people talk, you always listen. And I think that’s the best thing to do. When you’re wanted, it’s always nice.”