The Athletic has reported live updates regarding Brian Kelly's firing from LSU after a disappointing tenure of 3.5 seasons. This decision adds to an already bustling coaching carousel in college football. Under Kelly’s leadership, the Tigers struggled to meet the monumental expectations set by previous coaches, all of whom had led the program to national titles. The LSU job is considered even more prestigious than the vacancies at Penn State and Florida, with the pressure to succeed weighing heavily on the next head coach.
Brian Kelly's departure comes less than two years after the firing of Ed Orgeron, who led the Tigers to a national championship. This highlights the volatility and high stakes associated with coaching positions at top-tier programs like LSU. The university is now faced with the challenge of finding a suitable replacement, particularly as many big-name coaching candidates are likely unavailable, especially those with proven success in the SEC.
As LSU embarks on its search for a new head coach, several names have emerged as potential candidates to fill the coaching vacancy. Here’s a closer look at some of the top contenders:
Lane Kiffin, currently the head coach at Ole Miss, is a strong candidate for the LSU job. His experience in the SEC and his ability to take jabs at Kelly indicate that he is not afraid of the spotlight. Kiffin has achieved significant success at Ole Miss, leading the Rebels to a 7-1 record and positioning them for a potential spot in the College Football Playoff. However, the timing of his decision could be complicated if he is focused on a playoff run.
Eli Drinkwitz is another name that could be considered for the LSU head coaching position. The 42-year-old has demonstrated adept coaching skills, evidenced by his impressive 27-7 record over the past three seasons at Missouri. Given that the Tigers have had limited success in recent decades, Drinkwitz's ability to foster a competitive team makes him a valuable candidate. His offensive coaching expertise could be just what LSU needs, especially as Missouri continues to perform well despite challenges.
Kenny Dillingham has gained attention across the college football landscape for his remarkable turnaround of the Arizona State program. Now in his second year, he has led the Sun Devils to a 5-3 start and previously achieved a No. 7 national ranking. Dillingham's dynamic and creative coaching style sets him apart, making him an intriguing option for LSU. However, his commitment to his alma mater may complicate any potential move.
Clark Lea has made significant strides at Vanderbilt, recently leading them to a victory over LSU and a strong season record of 7-1. His previous experience as the defensive coordinator under Kelly at Notre Dame adds to his qualifications. With legitimate playoff hopes on the horizon for Vanderbilt, Lea's timing could be a crucial factor in his candidacy for the LSU position.
Jon Sumrall is another candidate to watch. With a background as an SEC linebacker and coaching experience at Kentucky and Ole Miss, he has quickly established himself as a capable head coach. Now at Tulane, Sumrall has the Green Wave in contention for a College Football Playoff spot, boasting an impressive 38-10 record. Although it remains to be seen whether LSU would consider a coach from Tulane, his track record speaks for itself.
As LSU navigates this unexpected coaching change, the search for a new head coach will be critical. With high expectations and a challenging SEC landscape, the university will need to make a strategic decision that aligns with its storied football tradition. The candidates discussed above represent a mix of experience and fresh perspectives, all vying for the opportunity to lead LSU back to prominence.
