The LSU Tigers’ search for a new head football coach following Brian Kelly’s firing could lead with two of the most accomplished men in the SEC over the last five years getting the first two calls.
Footballscoop’s John Brice believes the first call should go to Nick Saban, who has reiterated that he doesn’t want to come out of retirement. Brice wrote that his sources told him Saban hasn’t budged on that stance in recent weeks.
As Brice’s sources note, Saban knows the lay of the land in Baton Rouge and in the SEC during the NIL era.
“The first call in this search has to be to Nick Saban. ‘Nick, if you ever want to coach again, this is a great opportunity, you just tell us what it will take,’” Brice wrote.
“The current ESPN College GameDay analyst and certified coaching G.O.A.T. of the sport’s modern era, Saban won his first national title at LSU, remains revered there and understands the dynamics of both the bayou and the SEC.
“Sources have emphasized to FootballScoop since the Penn State opening that Saban, who turns 74 on Friday, is content with his current lifestyle and earnings crowding eight figures annually without being in the coaching grind.”
Brice’s second suggested option is Saban’s protege, Ole Miss Rebels football coach Lane Kiffin. Brice’s gameplan to Kiffin is similar to what many across the Pelican State would agree to: throw a blank check at Kiffin with any possible hook you can give him that goes beyond money and focuses on his family.
“Beyond the call to Saban, LSU has to make the call to Lane Kiffin,” Brice wrote.
“Knock once. Knock twice. Knock thrice.
“Make Lane Kiffin keep answering the door. Make him keep refusing to allow you to enter.
“Or, make him an offer — which Kiffin himself has outlined centers around much more than mere dollars — that he cannot refuse.”
For what it’s worth, Saban feels the best job for Kiffin is the one he already has in Oxford, Mississippi. It’s unclear how those comments will affect Kiffin’s next move.
Jon Sumrall is LSU’s most realistic next hire
Brice’s Kiffin backup plan is Tulane Green Wave football coach Jon Sumrall. An obvious fit given his current ties to the state of Louisiana, Sumrall would come cheaper than the latter two, but with less fanfare and fewer expectations.
Sumrall has denied interest in talking about any coaching jump during the season, but it’s nearly a formality that he’ll be coaching somewhere in the SEC next season if not at LSU.
He just can’t say that right now.