The firing of Brian Kelly at LSU has opened one of college football’s most prestigious jobs, initiating a search that experts predict will target everyone from former national champions like Urban Meyer and Nick Saban to current top coaches Dan Lanning and Lane Kiffin, with a potential $15 million salary on the table.
The college football world was sent into a frenzy once again as LSU made the monumental decision to part ways with head coach Brian Kelly. Following a disappointing 5-3 start to his fourth season, culminating in a blowout loss to Texas A&M, the Tigers opted to end Kelly’s tenure, despite a hefty estimated $54 million buyout. This move immediately thrust LSU into the epicenter of the coaching carousel, setting the stage for one of the most significant hires in recent memory.
According to FOX Sports analyst Joel Klatt, the LSU job isn’t just a high-profile opening; it’s one of the elite positions in the sport. Klatt firmly believes LSU ranks among the top three jobs in college football, arguing that only Texas and Ohio State might edge them out, and even then, not by much. This assessment underscores the immense potential and expectations that come with leading the Tigers.
A major factor in LSU‘s allure is its unparalleled financial backing. Klatt highlighted the program’s deep resources, noting they are “probably No. 1 or 2 in resources,” ensuring that “money won’t be a factor” in securing their next head coach. This financial power, combined with a history of success—each of the three coaches before Kelly (Nick Saban, Les Miles, and Ed Orgeron) won a national title—means LSU is not just looking for a good coach, but a championship-caliber leader.
The “Force Them to Say No” Strategy: Targeting Legendary Coaches
Joel Klatt outlined a bold strategy for LSU Athletic Director Scott Woodward: make a “no harm, no foul” offer to two of college football’s greatest minds, even if they’re retired. According to Klatt, the first two calls should be to Urban Meyer and Nick Saban, offering them a staggering $15 million per year to return to the sidelines. This move isn’t necessarily about landing them, but about leveraging their legacy.
- Urban Meyer: Despite his retirement from coaching, Meyer remains a dominant figure, known for winning multiple national championships at both Florida and Ohio State. His success in the SEC with Florida makes him a theoretically strong, albeit unlikely, candidate. As Blake Toppmeyer of the USA TODAY Network highlighted, Meyer’s Tigers would “never suffer from insufficient talent” and would deliver a “thrill ride,” even if he might “jump the rails at some point.”
- Nick Saban: A familiar face in Baton Rouge, Saban led LSU to a national championship in 2003 before his historic run at Alabama. While retired, the prospect of his return to a program he once helmed is tantalizing. Toppmeyer noted that while Saban wouldn’t flop, his public “detestation of pay-for-play” in the NIL era could be a concern, requiring him to embrace the current landscape of college football to truly succeed, as discussed on Yahoo Sports.
This “big swing” approach by Scott Woodward, who has a well-established track record of pursuing high-profile coaches, signifies LSU‘s unwavering commitment to elite status. Woodward’s past hires include national championship winners like women’s basketball coach Kim Mulkey and baseball coach Jay Johnson, demonstrating his capability to identify successful leadership, though his football hires of Jimbo Fisher and Brian Kelly didn’t yield the same ultimate returns, as reported by the USA TODAY Network.
The Next Generation of Elite: Lanning and Kiffin
Should the legendary coaches decline, LSU‘s focus is expected to shift to two of the most dynamic and successful coaches currently in the game: Dan Lanning and Lane Kiffin. Both represent the blend of proven success and fresh energy that could propel LSU back to the top.
- Dan Lanning: At 39, Lanning is considered one of the sport’s brightest young minds. His pedigree includes coordinating Georgia’s historically strong defense to a national championship in 2021. He has since transformed Oregon into a perennial contender, boasting a 42-7 record and leading them to an undefeated season through the Big Ten Championship game last year. Klatt believes Lanning is a “home run” hire, citing his recruiting prowess (both high school and transfer portal) and great energy. However, Lanning has previously turned down high-profile jobs, including Alabama, and with Oregon poised for a deep CFP run, hiring him could face logistical challenges, potentially delaying a coaching decision until January.
- Lane Kiffin: After a turbulent start to his head coaching career, Kiffin has revitalized his image at Ole Miss, proving his ability to coach at the highest level in the SEC. His 51-19 record over six seasons, including three 10-plus win campaigns in the last four years and a 7-1 start this year, makes him a highly sought-after commodity. LSU‘s potential offer of $15 million annually would represent a significant raise from his current $9 million at Ole Miss, making him the highest-paid coach in the sport. Klatt and Toppmeyer agree that Kiffin’s personality and offensive mind are a perfect “fit” for LSU, avoiding the “peculiar fit” issues that plagued Brian Kelly, who famously started his tenure “talking like Nic Cage” from ‘Con Air,’ as noted by The Advertiser.
Beyond the Top Tier: Other Candidates and Their Fit
The coaching carousel, fueled by numerous high-profile job openings this cycle, has left the talent pool thin. This means LSU will likely cast a wider net if their top targets prove unattainable. Blake Toppmeyer and John Adams of the USA TODAY Network provided their “Love it, Like it, No Thanks” evaluations for several other names:
- James Franklin (former Penn State coach): Both Toppmeyer and Adams gave him a “No thanks,” with Toppmeyer bluntly stating it would be “another Brian Kelly” hire given his big-game issues.
- Jon Sumrall (Tulane): Adams gave him a “No thanks,” believing he wouldn’t “satiate LSU fans’ demands.” Toppmeyer, however, rated him a “Like it,” seeing him on a potential second-tier list.
- Eli Drinkwitz (Missouri): Both analysts gave Drinkwitz a “No thanks,” citing his “big-game problem” similar to Kelly’s, and a “peculiar fit” for LSU‘s culture.
- Jeff Brohm (Louisville): Adams offered a “No thanks,” while Toppmeyer gave a “Like it” for his elite offensive mind and track record of elevating programs, though questioning his recruiting ability at LSU‘s level.
- Brent Key (Georgia Tech): Both Toppmeyer and Adams rated Key as “Like it,” acknowledging his success at Georgia Tech, but Toppmeyer raised concerns about sustained performance after his current quarterback, Haynes King, departs.
- Joe Brady (Bills offensive coordinator): Both analysts gave a firm “No thanks,” believing he’s better suited to his NFL offensive coordinator role rather than a head coaching position.
- Jon Gruden (Barstool Sports personality): While Adams jokingly said he “just want[ed] to see it” for the pure theater, Toppmeyer firmly stated “No thanks,” suggesting it would be better to “bring back shirtless Ed O” instead.
The urgency of LSU‘s search is amplified by the early signing period and transfer portal window approaching, demanding a swift yet deliberate decision. The next head coach will inherit a program with immense resources and a passionate fanbase hungry for another national championship, making this one of the most compelling narratives in college football.
