Now is Scott Woodward's time to shine. He lives for these moments. The accomplished athletic director, often referred to as Hollywood Scott Woodward, has a reputation for striking gold in coaching searches--most notably in the football world.
Great news for LSU fans whom are eager for a big splash, and more importantly, one they can put their trust in to lead this program to success both on and off the field. Woodward elected to jump out way ahead of this thing, which is a wise choice for a multitude of reasons. It allows Coach Ed Orgeron to receive the praise he deserves, all while eliminating much of the criticism he would face as the team enters a tumultuous stretch of SEC games that could result in a series of tough losses.
More importantly for Woodward, it finalizes his attempt to find a new head coach for the program, which could have been thwarted if the team continues to upset teams like they did against Florida last weekend. It was a brilliant move for a multitude of reasons, but the two listed are the most important for the people involved in the matter.
As for the search, expect it to be a big name. Also expect there to be a lot of smoke screens, as Woodward tries his best to navigate this poker tournament.
We feel confident in the initial 13 names being listed as the likeliest of candidates to fill the position. Of course some of them are long shots, whether it be their preference or LSU's, but for the most part, there is enough reason to believe almost all of them have a chance. With that said, there are others that could emerge as well from what we gather. Below I will try to make an "A" list of sorts after conferring with sources.
The "A" Team:
Lincoln Riley: Not much is being said regarding the possibility of Riley becoming the next LSU head coach, at least compared to some of the other top coaches being discussed, which we see as a signal that he is indeed high on the list. Perhaps that is the smokescreen? Riley seems like a homerun hire from afar, so there's no way he isn't being discussed to some degree. Sources around LSU and Riley both confirm that they anticipate there to be interest from both parties, if only exploratory at a minimum. So where is the smoke?
Dabo Swinney: Woodward will push this one until he receives a cease and desist letter from Dabo's representation. And while it sounds like a far stretch at first, I don't see it as such. There is nothing else for Swinney to prove at Clemson. But he does need to prove that he could win in the SEC. LSU gives him the talent pool and brand to recruit at an even high level that did in the fake Death Valley, so keep an eye on this one.
Lane Kiffin: Lane Kiffin brings a lot with him--mostly good, but enough prior baggage that vetting him will be paramount here. There is good reason to believe that there is mutual interest, according to sources, so if things check out and Kiffin is intrigued by the opportunity, which many believe he is, then he has a legitimate shot at being the next LSU head coach.
James Franklin: I was able to touch base with a source that knows Franklin very well, who shared his thoughts on the possibility of him being the hire. The source believes that Franklin would take the job without hesitation, even if the USC job was also being offered. I found that to be interesting. Franklin is very high on LSU's list, according to sources, and rightfully so.
Jimbo Fisher: For anyone that thinks Woodward wouldn't explore this path, I can assure you that he is. The last run for Fisher ended when Joe Alleva failed to follow up following initial conversations, which did not sit well with Fisher's camp (Jimbo and Jimmy Sexton). It was a sticky situation, but that appears to be water under the bridge, with Alleva taking the sole blame in the matter. Like Dabo Swinney, Woodward will make them say no prior to offering the position to someone else. At least that is what we anticipate.
Luke Fickell: Sources at LSU appear to be very high on Fickell, who will also be a top candidate for the USC job. The sentiment around coaching circles is that the LSU job would be more appealing to Fickell even with ties to the USC athletic director. Fickell will definitely be one of the top candidate and one of the more likely options for this position.
It is important to note that these aren't necessarily the favorites for the job--more of what appears to be the top targets from the information we've gathered.
Great news for LSU fans whom are eager for a big splash, and more importantly, one they can put their trust in to lead this program to success both on and off the field. Woodward elected to jump out way ahead of this thing, which is a wise choice for a multitude of reasons. It allows Coach Ed Orgeron to receive the praise he deserves, all while eliminating much of the criticism he would face as the team enters a tumultuous stretch of SEC games that could result in a series of tough losses.
More importantly for Woodward, it finalizes his attempt to find a new head coach for the program, which could have been thwarted if the team continues to upset teams like they did against Florida last weekend. It was a brilliant move for a multitude of reasons, but the two listed are the most important for the people involved in the matter.
As for the search, expect it to be a big name. Also expect there to be a lot of smoke screens, as Woodward tries his best to navigate this poker tournament.
We feel confident in the initial 13 names being listed as the likeliest of candidates to fill the position. Of course some of them are long shots, whether it be their preference or LSU's, but for the most part, there is enough reason to believe almost all of them have a chance. With that said, there are others that could emerge as well from what we gather. Below I will try to make an "A" list of sorts after conferring with sources.
The "A" Team:
Lincoln Riley: Not much is being said regarding the possibility of Riley becoming the next LSU head coach, at least compared to some of the other top coaches being discussed, which we see as a signal that he is indeed high on the list. Perhaps that is the smokescreen? Riley seems like a homerun hire from afar, so there's no way he isn't being discussed to some degree. Sources around LSU and Riley both confirm that they anticipate there to be interest from both parties, if only exploratory at a minimum. So where is the smoke?
Dabo Swinney: Woodward will push this one until he receives a cease and desist letter from Dabo's representation. And while it sounds like a far stretch at first, I don't see it as such. There is nothing else for Swinney to prove at Clemson. But he does need to prove that he could win in the SEC. LSU gives him the talent pool and brand to recruit at an even high level that did in the fake Death Valley, so keep an eye on this one.
Lane Kiffin: Lane Kiffin brings a lot with him--mostly good, but enough prior baggage that vetting him will be paramount here. There is good reason to believe that there is mutual interest, according to sources, so if things check out and Kiffin is intrigued by the opportunity, which many believe he is, then he has a legitimate shot at being the next LSU head coach.
James Franklin: I was able to touch base with a source that knows Franklin very well, who shared his thoughts on the possibility of him being the hire. The source believes that Franklin would take the job without hesitation, even if the USC job was also being offered. I found that to be interesting. Franklin is very high on LSU's list, according to sources, and rightfully so.
Jimbo Fisher: For anyone that thinks Woodward wouldn't explore this path, I can assure you that he is. The last run for Fisher ended when Joe Alleva failed to follow up following initial conversations, which did not sit well with Fisher's camp (Jimbo and Jimmy Sexton). It was a sticky situation, but that appears to be water under the bridge, with Alleva taking the sole blame in the matter. Like Dabo Swinney, Woodward will make them say no prior to offering the position to someone else. At least that is what we anticipate.
Luke Fickell: Sources at LSU appear to be very high on Fickell, who will also be a top candidate for the USC job. The sentiment around coaching circles is that the LSU job would be more appealing to Fickell even with ties to the USC athletic director. Fickell will definitely be one of the top candidate and one of the more likely options for this position.
It is important to note that these aren't necessarily the favorites for the job--more of what appears to be the top targets from the information we've gathered.
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