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LSU Coaching Search Tracker: Latest Updates, News, Rumors
LSU Coaching Search Tracker monitoring the latest updates, news, rumors and innuendos regarding potential replacements for Les Miles in Baton Rouge as head coach of the Tigers.
November 21, 2016
LSU Coaching Search Tracker monitoring the latest updates, news, rumors and innuendos regarding potential replacements for Les Miles.
The Les Miles era came to an unceremonious end on September 25, one day after LSU’s gut-wrenching defeat to the Auburn Tigers on The Plains. After receiving an 11th hour stay of execution the year prior, the Mad Hatter entered 2016 with a championship or bust edict. Following an ugly season-opening loss to Wisconsin, two uninspired victories over Jacksonville State and Mississippi State, and the aforementioned Auburn defeat, Tigers boosters and athletic director Joe Alleva had reached their breaking point.
Whether or not Miles deserved better will be long debated throughout SEC country, but the fact now remains that after roughly 12 years LSU is in the hunt for a new head football coach. This is a program whose last two coaches – Miles and Nick Saban – won a combined 162 games, four conference titles and two national championships. A program that believes itself to be on the same plane as Michigan, Notre Dame, Texas and, most certainly, Alabama. LSU expects titles and nothing less.
Throughout the LSU coaching search, expect names such as Tom Herman, Jimbo Fisher and Bobby Petrino to routinely pop up. An athletics department does not jettison a beloved, championship-winning coach without believing it can land a heavy-hitter. Below is a record of all the news, notes, rumors and updates for the LSU coaching search as they unfold in real time.
LSU Coaching Search Tracker
Sunday, Sept. 25
- Reports surfaced that LSU has reached out to Tom Herman’s camp shortly after terminating Les Miles.
- Reports surfaced that LSU contacted Art Briles following Miles’ termination, though neither party has commented on the record. Somewhat ironically, Briles has also been tied to Auburn as the program’s likely next offensive coordinator.
- Bo Pelini’s artificial Twitter facsimile, Faux Pelini, has shown interest in the open position.
Monday, Sept. 26
- Jimbo Fisher refused to address any discussion of LSU during his Monday press conference, saying, “I’m not talking about LSU … we’re talking about [the upcoming game against] UNC.” He also recently went on the record with Campus Insiders, stating that he never had contact with LSU last season.
- Tom Herman has refuted reports that LSU contacted his representatives about the vacancy in Baton Rouge.
- Bobby Petrino said he is, “not interested in going anywhere,” during his Monday press conference. He also echoed recent sentiments from a Seth Davis Show interview that he’s fortunate to have the support of Louisville athletic director Tom Jurich.
- An incredulous David Shaw answered with a definitive, “No,” when asked about the LSU job opening.
- Tyke Tolbert has been mentioned as a potential in-house dark horse. Tolbert played for LSU in the 1980s, began his coaching career at his alma mater, has further SEC coaching experience with Florida and Auburn, and an NFL pedigree that includes coaching wide receivers for the Super Bowl champion Denver Broncos.
- In addition to Herman and Fisher, Football Scoop sources expect LSU to “gauge the interest of” Bob Stoops, Nick Saban and Urban Meyer. That being said, gauging the interest doesn’t necessarily mean that they are actually viable candidates.
- Detroit Free Press writer Brian Manzullo suggests that Mark Dantonio would be a “home run hire” for the LSU Tigers, however he explains it’s “highly unlikely.”
- Joe Alleva was emphatic that whoever LSU hires must have head coaching experience. He also stated that the rest of the season could serve as an audition for Ed Orgeron to permanently retain the position.
Tuesday, Sept. 27
- Urban Meyer was asked about the opening during his weekly press conference, and stated that he has not been contacted by LSU.
Wednesday, Sept. 28
- During the ACC coaches teleconference, Jimbo Fisher doubled down on his intent to remain at Florida State, saying, “I love this university, I plan on being here a long time …. Anything else is clutter and doesn’t concern me; it doesn’t involve me.”
Thursday, October 13
- One of LSU’s top recruiting targets, Cam Akers, has stated that he hopes either Ed Orgeron or Jimbo Fisher fill the vacancy. Akers is the nation’s No. 2 running back and No. 4 overall recruit.
Monday, October 24
- Former NFL scout John Middlekauff was informed by an NFL coach that there are rumblings regarding Chip Kelly eschewing his job with the 49ers for the LSU position. At this juncture, Kelly has dismissed the rumors.
Wednesday, November 2
- LSU reportedly has a shortlist of candidates that includes Jimbo Fisher, Tom Herman, Dana Holgorsen and Jim Mora. The program is also reportedly open to bringing in an up-and-coming offensive mind, as well as keeping Ed Orgeron.
Tuesday, November 15
- Jimbo Fisher is reportedly firmly atop Joe Alleva’s list. The Tigers have also reached out to Larry Fedora, Mike Gundy and Tom Herman. University officials are also willing to hire Ed Orgeron on the condition that he brings in a high-profile offensive coordinator.
Monday, November 21
- LSU is reportedly prepared to make an “aggressive run” at Jimbo Fisher, and plans on having a new head coach as soon as Thanksgiving weekend.
The LSU Coaching Search Tracker is updated regularly with all news regarding the Tigers’ hunt for a new head coach.
