Coaching hires can sometimes be a crapshoot.

LSU athletic director Joe Alleva, currently involved in the most important coaching search of his career, knows this all too well.

Take his hiring of basketball coach Trent Johnson in 2008, which seemed like a slam dunk given he led Nevada and Stanford to Sweet 16 appearances. But Johnson lasted only four years in Baton Rouge, going 40-56 over his final three seasons.

Alleva discussed that hire and the one he’s about to make in an exclusive interview with Tiger Rag magazine published Monday. He acknowledged his perception in Baton Rouge rests firmly on whom he selects to replace Les Miles, but he also noted the difficulty in forecasting how well that coach will do.

“A big part of my legacy here is going to be who I hire as football coach,” Alleva told Tiger Rag. “You know what? I don’t know how good that person is going to do. No matter how good they have been in the past, you don’t know how they are going to react to the pressure at LSU, because there is enormous pressure at LSU.”

The Advocate on Sunday reported that LSU has fired up an aggressive coaching search that could be finished within the week. Florida State’s Jimbo Fisher reportedly leads the list of candidates, which includes Tigers interim coach Ed Orgeron.

No matter who Alleva hires, it’s clear that he knows the enormity and unpredictability of his decision.

You can check out Tiger Rag’s exclusive sit-down with the athletic director here.