LSU’s hunt for a new head coach after Brian Kelly’s departure isn’t just another search; it’s a potential game-changer. With Athletic Director Scott Woodward’s history of bold, big-money hires, the Tigers are poised to chase college football’s biggest names, including Nick Saban and Urban Meyer, setting a new standard for ambition in Baton Rouge.
The college football world is buzzing following the swift dismissal of Brian Kelly from his post as LSU’s head coach. After a disappointing 49-25 loss to Texas A&M and facing a hefty $50 million buyout, the Tigers are once again on the hunt for leadership that can restore championship glory. But this isn’t just any coaching search; it’s a testament to LSU’s immense resources and an athletic director unafraid to swing for the fences.
The Klatt Doctrine: Aiming for the Apex of College Football
Fox Sports college football analyst Joel Klatt has ignited passionate debate among the fan base, urging LSU to bypass conventional candidates and go directly to the pinnacle of the sport: Nick Saban and Urban Meyer. On a recent episode of “The Joel Klatt Show,” he articulated a vision where LSU, a program with “top one or two in all of college football” resources, should not settle. Klatt suggested that LSU should “force them to turn down $15 million a year,” emphasizing that these calls must be made out of respect for LSU’s self-identity as a championship-caliber program.
This isn’t mere speculation. Klatt frames it as a strategic imperative, arguing that LSU’s resources, passionate fan base, and unparalleled recruiting access position them uniquely to attract proven national champions. The message is clear: the Tigers’ leadership, under Scott Woodward, must “swing big.”
Woodward’s History: A Precedent for Unconventional Aggression
The notion of LSU pursuing legendary coaches like Saban and Meyer, both currently enjoying comfortable analyst roles, might seem like a pipe dream to many. However, LSU Athletic Director Scott Woodward’s track record suggests these “pipe dreams” can, in fact, become reality. Woodward is infamous for his willingness to spend “stupid money” to land top-tier talent, a philosophy he articulated on the “Navigating Sports Business” podcast, stating, “Go after the best you could get.”
His tenure includes the staggering $75 million guaranteed offer that lured Jimbo Fisher from Florida State to Texas A&M, as reported by USA Today Sports. More recently, he brought Brian Kelly to LSU with a $100 million offer. While Fisher and Kelly’s tenures didn’t yield the desired return on investment, Woodward’s other high-profile hires, such as women’s basketball coach Kim Mulkey and baseball coach Jay Johnson, have delivered national championships, demonstrating the potential for his bold approach to pay off.
Woodward’s philosophy, as he shared with The Advertiser in 2022, is rooted in the belief that “the best predictors are usually past performances.” This makes the pursuit of coaches with multiple national titles, regardless of their current availability, a logical extension of his strategy.
The Allure of the Legends: Saban and Meyer
For Nick Saban, the appeal runs deeper than just money. He has a storied history with LSU, leading the Tigers to a national championship in 2003 and compiling a 48-16 record in five seasons before his legendary run at Alabama. While the 73-year-old is retired and working as an ESPN analyst, the idea of offering him an unprecedented $20 million annually makes the hypothetical “what if” a genuine consideration. LSU would be making a statement, forcing the undisputed GOAT to explicitly decline before moving on.
Similarly, Urban Meyer, 61, is a three-time national champion coach (twice with Florida, once with Ohio State). His disastrous NFL stint with the Jacksonville Jaguars did not tarnish his college reputation. Currently a college football analyst for Fox Sports, Meyer could be tempted by a massive salary and the unique opportunity to win a national championship with a third different program in the highly competitive SEC.
Beyond the Legends: A Strong Contingent of Rising Stars and Proven Winners
Should the ambitious pursuit of Saban and Meyer prove unsuccessful, Klatt and other analysts quickly pivot to a highly desirable “next phase” of candidates who represent the future of elite college football coaching:
- Dan Lanning (Oregon): Credited for his defensive prowess from Georgia’s 2021 national title team, Lanning has rapidly built Oregon into a playoff contender. His youth (39), energy, and success make him a “home run” candidate.
- Lane Kiffin (Ole Miss): Kiffin’s offensive mastermind and proven track record in the SEC make him a perennial candidate for major openings. He understands the landscape and could command total autonomy and a significant pay raise at LSU.
Other names circulating in the discussion, as seen in betting odds and fan chatter, include:
- Joe Brady: The former LSU passing game coordinator from their 2019 national championship season (with Joe Burrow) is currently the Buffalo Bills’ offensive coordinator. While an NFL return is unlikely, his past success in Baton Rouge makes him a sentimental favorite.
- Jon Sumrall (Tulane): Currently considered a betting favorite by some oddsmakers, Sumrall is building an impressive resume that could soon translate to an SEC opportunity.
- Jeff Brohm (Louisville): Known for his offensive innovation, Brohm is another coach who could command a lucrative offer from LSU.
The LSU Fit: More Than Just Winning
Ultimately, the next coach for LSU must not only win at the highest level but also seamlessly integrate into the unique culture of Baton Rouge. Klatt stressed the importance of finding a leader who understands the immense expectations that come with one of college football’s most powerful jobs. The blend of unparalleled resources, passionate fan support, and an AD willing to spend big creates an environment where conventional wisdom often takes a backseat to audacious ambition.
The coming weeks will reveal whether Scott Woodward can once again defy expectations and turn what some consider pipe dreams into a championship reality for the LSU Tigers.
