You have to begin any search by considering that UTEP may be a tough sell for any new coach. Not the City of El Paso (I've always thought EP at could actually be a plus), but the situation on and off the field at UTEP will be a challenge for several reasons.
First, at his age and with his track record, getting somebody to work for this AD may be a challenge. At 71, Stull could retire (or be asked to retire) tomorrow, then as HC where would you be? Any new AD will ultimately want "his boy" as HC, so somebody's not going to get anywhere near four years to make it happen this go-round. Any coach worth a damn knows this will be a stepping stone job, and that's totally okay! Look at what Houston has done with top notch assistants they hired: Briles, Sumlin, Herman. Just gotta get the right one. Knowing that, you gotta convince somebody that if they're good enough, they can be successful in this job, that it's not a graveyard gig. Stull has been on cruise control for the past decade and the program has deteriorated to dangerous lows, and you can believe that will be a factor in the thinking of any prospective coach.
Second, some posters on this board seem to feel that this roster is chocked full of talent. It ain't. Jones and Plinke are gone next year and it's not like there's some high caliber ammo left in the clip. Focusing recruiting on EP is not a bad idea IF you can get the top quality players to stay at home, but constantly signing 2-star recruits will get you fired.
Third, it would almost be a prerequisite to hire a coach who has run and recruited to some form of read option offense. And NOT because it's fun and entertaining for the fans. You do it because it's fun and entertaining for the players. So guess what? You have a better chance of recruiting quality footall players because that's probably what they've run their entire HS careers. And it's more fun to play! Kugler ihas insisted on playing Woody Hays football and you just cannot recruit to that style of football in this era.
Fourth, ever consider hiring a high powered coach from the defensive side of the ball? Go ahead, consider hiring the next Gary Patterson. There really are some really impressive FBS defensive coordinators out there ready to make the next step. Ask around. Andre Patterson was available and wanted the job last go-round, frankly he would have been my pick, but everybody wanted to drain the damn swamp. Well, welcome to the future. Patterson would not have been a sexy hire but he could recruit, had coordinator experience at both the collegiate and professional level, would have hired and managed a stable and competent staff, and provided strategic direction for a program.