Two National Championship Coaches Emerge as LSU Candidates

LSU made headlines Sunday when the school announced the firing of Brian Kelly after a 5-3 start to the 2025 season.

The decision triggered a massive buyout, but it also opened up one of the most coveted jobs in college football.

Kelly leaves Baton Rouge with a 34-14 record, but the lack of a playoff appearance and SEC championship created enough pressure for LSU athletic director Scott Woodward to pull the trigger.

Top Candidates in LSU Coaching Search

LSU’s open head coaching job has drawn interest from a mix of SEC veterans, rising stars, and bold sleepers. Here’s a look at some of the top names in the mix:

Lane Kiffin, HC, Ole Miss – Kiffin is at the center of SEC coaching conversations. The Rebels want him to stay, Florida is interested, and LSU could make a run. With proven offensive acumen, he could step in immediately and elevate the Tigers.

Joe Brady, OC, Buffalo Bills – The former 2019 LSU offensive coordinator and national champion has NFL experience and is rising in head coaching circles. Returning to Baton Rouge could be tempting for one of the country’s premier jobs, though he has previously hesitated to leave the NFL.

James Franklin, former Penn State coach – Franklin brings a strong record (68% win rate) and extensive head coaching experience. While highly qualified, his Midwest background may not excite the Southeastern fan base.

Jon Sumrall, HC, Tulane – The former SEC linebacker has dominated as a head coach in recent seasons. He’s among the hottest Group of Five coaches, but questions remain if LSU would hire a Tulane head coach for a high-profile SEC program.

Marcus Freeman, HC, Notre Dame – Known for his defensive prowess and program leadership, Freeman is a long shot but aligns with Woodward’s pattern of making bold moves. NFL opportunities may keep him from moving, but he remains a name to watch.

LSU Eyes Crazy Potential Hires Fisher and Swinney

Chris Hummer of CBS Sports notes, “Woodward’s history shows he’s not afraid to go big.

Among the names on his list of potential candidates, two stand out as truly crazy hires for LSU: national championship-winning coaches Jimbo Fisher and Dabo Swinney.

Hiring either would be a headline-grabbing move that could immediately energize the program.” Full story here.

Industry speculation has turned to two familiar names: Jimbo Fisher and Clemson’s Dabo Swinney.

Jimbo Fisher, former Florida State and Texas A&M coach – Reunited and it feels so good! Woodward hired Fisher at Texas A&M, giving him a historically lucrative contract to lure him from Florida State.

Fisher is a National Championship-winning coach.

While his star dimmed in his last two seasons in College Station, this would be a headline-grabbing reunion.