LSU head coaching job candidates

LSU followed what seems to be a growing trend in the college football coaching world when the school announced the firing of head coach Brian Kelly after a disappointing 5-3 start to the 2025 season.

The change brought a massive buyout and immediately opened one of the most sought-after jobs in college football.

Kelly leaves Baton Rouge with a 34-14 record over three and a half seasons. Despite consistent Top 25 finishes, there was never an SEC Championship, let alone a College Football Playoff berth. This turned out to be too much for LSU athletic director Scott Woodward, who made the call to move on.

Top Names to Watch

On paper, the LSU job remains a dream spot, boasting a recruiting territory, an unmatched fan base and a competitive and growing conference. The early list of potential replacements is stacked with ideas and resumes.

Head coach, Lane Kiffin from Ole Miss. Kiffin is once again at the center of a potential transition. Known for his offensive genius, bringing a new light and powerful force to an otherwise strong offensive line. However, Florida is also in need of a new SEC lead and could also be tracking Kiffin down, all while Ole Miss is fighting to keep him.

Offensive Coordinator Joe Brady of the Buffalo Bills. LSU’s record-shattering 2019 offense could be tempted by a return to Baton Rouge. He spent two seasons in Carolina before joining the Bills and has worked alongside star quarterback Josh Allen since. Brady has shown hesitancy to leave the NFL, but the Tigers’ job might be the only college spot that could bring him back.

Head coach, Jon Sumrall from Tulane. Sumrall’s turnaround at Tulane has impressed fans and football lovers from around the nation, but the question remains whether LSU would take the leap on a Group of Five coach, let alone an in-state stir of the pot. I don’t think this would be their move for momentum and recruitment purposes; however, this name has not been dismissed for any reason just yet.

Head coach, Marcus Freeman, from Notre Dame. Another long shot, Freeman’s defensive and leadership skills make him intriguing in a powerhouse atmosphere such as Death Valley. He fits Woodward’s pattern of bold, national hires. He also has had great recent success, having made it all the way to the College Football Playoffs just last year.

Former Texas A&M head coach Jimbo Fisher. A reunion would be electric because, and despite a rough ending in College Station, Fisher’s championship pedigree keeps him in the conversation. Fisher spent seven seasons from the years 2000 to 2006 as the offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach at LSU. The Tigers won a national championship with Fisher as an assistant before departing for the same role at Florida State in 2007. There is now a resume gap of two years, but the resume speaks for itself in defense.

Finally, head coach Dabo Swinney from Clemson. The long-time Clemson Tiger would be a total shift of character and quite the addition. While unlikely, LSU could test the waters with an aggressive offer to recruit not only another Tiger, but someone used to coaching in a fellow Death Valley. Clemson currently falls in the bottom half of the ACC, but that doesn’t overlook their constant recruiting and the competitive threats they bring each season.

A Complicated Path Forward

With coaches cleaning up their resumes and positions opening all over, LSU’s coaching search might stretch longer than usual.

Brian Kelly’s firing has opened the door to a chaotic, high-stakes search that blends football ambition. Whether LSU opts for a bold national splash or a steady in-state hand, one thing is certain: the next coach will walk into both opportunity and chaos in equal measure. For now, all eyes are on Baton Rouge.

Bronwyn Liber is a third-year student majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact her, email brl5354@psu.edu.