This list isn't a list I have compiled from names provided from sources, rather, it is a list I have compiled based on what I am gathering from sources in regards to what they want, the magnitude of the hire, timeframe etc. This is all speculative at this point. They are not talking right now. I was told only 3 people in the world would know and none of them would even think about sharing that info with anyone. It does feel like their top targets aren't the guys that have been mentioned, so the "left field" scenario looks more likely than not at this stage. Julie's prediction piece yesterday was dead on in that a dark horse may actually be the leader at this stage.
It feels like LSU's coach may still be coaching. With that in mind, here is what I have.
Mario Cristobal--Oregon head coach
Luke Fickell--Cincinnati head coach
Dabo Swinney--Clemson head coach (I wouldn't count this one out if I am being honest)
Mike Gundy--Oklahoma head coach (doubtful, but worth monitoring)
Brian Kelly--perhaps we should be paying more attention to Kelly.
Eric Bieniemy--why not? A Louisiana native who may be tired of waiting for his NFL coaching opportunity.
Matt Rhule--Panthers head coach
Joe Brady--Panthers OC (long shot in my eyes)
Kellen Moore--Cowboys OC (long shot in my eyes)
Guys we are kind of crossing off:
Lane Kiffin--no interest
Mel Tucker--no interest
Billy Napier--never contacted
Dave Aranda--feels extremely unlikely. Sounds like zero contact.
Lincoln Riley--feels highly unlikely for multiple reasons
James Franklin--feels unlikely, but they definitely like him. This one is in LSU's hands.
Matt Campbell--appears USC bound, wasn't heavily pursued
Mark Stoops--doesn't feel like a candidate
Jimbo Fisher--only based off of his own words. Still his job if he wants it in my opinion
Bill O'Brien--doesn't feel like an option.
It feels like LSU's coach may still be coaching. With that in mind, here is what I have.
Mario Cristobal--Oregon head coach
Luke Fickell--Cincinnati head coach
Dabo Swinney--Clemson head coach (I wouldn't count this one out if I am being honest)
Mike Gundy--Oklahoma head coach (doubtful, but worth monitoring)
Brian Kelly--perhaps we should be paying more attention to Kelly.
Eric Bieniemy--why not? A Louisiana native who may be tired of waiting for his NFL coaching opportunity.
Matt Rhule--Panthers head coach
Joe Brady--Panthers OC (long shot in my eyes)
Kellen Moore--Cowboys OC (long shot in my eyes)
Guys we are kind of crossing off:
Lane Kiffin--no interest
Mel Tucker--no interest
Billy Napier--never contacted
Dave Aranda--feels extremely unlikely. Sounds like zero contact.
Lincoln Riley--feels highly unlikely for multiple reasons
James Franklin--feels unlikely, but they definitely like him. This one is in LSU's hands.
Matt Campbell--appears USC bound, wasn't heavily pursued
Mark Stoops--doesn't feel like a candidate
Jimbo Fisher--only based off of his own words. Still his job if he wants it in my opinion
Bill O'Brien--doesn't feel like an option.
