Source: Spaziani the favorite

BC search limited by outside choices

BC defensive coordinator Frank Spaziani fits the head coaching mold athletic director Gene DeFilippo is seeking. (File/Jim Davis/Globe staff)

Boston College athletic director Gene DeFilippo went into Phase 2 of his search for a replacement for Jeff Jagodzinski as he filtered through a list of coaches outside the program who might fit the mold.

But the list of qualified candidates is shorter than BC had expected, making it more likely the Eagles will hire from within. Defensive coordinator Frank Spaziani is the leading candidate, according to sources close to the program.

DeFilippo spent most of Thursday talking to the three candidates from Jagodzinski's staff - offensive line coach Jack Bicknell Jr., offensive coordinator Steve Logan, and Spaziani. Although Logan and Bicknell had strong presentations, Spaziani remains the favorite, with widespread support from players and athletic department staff members.

DeFilippo had been expected to name Spaziani the Eagles' interim coach, but that changed because DeFilippo feels the selection process could be finished by Monday.

Sources close to the program say DeFilippo was expected to interview a pair of candidates from outside the school - Richmond coach Mike London and East Carolina coach Skip Holtz.

Also mentioned as possible candidates are Steve Addazio, Florida's recently promoted offensive coordinator, and Oklahoma co-offensive coordinator Jay Norvell.

But when asked about interest from BC after Florida's 24-14 victory over Oklahoma in the Bowl Championship Series title game Thursday, Addazio said he had not been contacted by the school.

Norvell was interviewed by DeFilippo two years ago when BC was looking for a replacement for Tom O'Brien.

Neither Holtz nor London was available for comment.

Another possible candidate is former Minnesota coach Glen Mason, who had stints at Kent State and Kansas and has been seeking to return to coaching. He currently works for the Big Ten Network.