ESPN names 5 potential candidates for LSU head coaching job
By Rolando Rosa
Published:
LSU is set to reportedly part ways with Brian Kelly and name Frank Wilson as the interim head coach for the remainder of the season. The 64-year-old Kelly is reportedly out at LSU a day after a 49-25 loss to Texas A&M dropped the Tigers to 5-3 overall and 2-3 in SEC play.
ESPN has created created a list of 5 potential candidates to supplant Kelly at LSU. The list includes Ole Miss‘ Lane Kiffin, Tulane’s Jon Sumrall, Notre Dame’s Marcus Freeman, Georgia Tech’s Brent Key, and Missouri‘s Eli Drinkwitz.
Kiffin is reportedly also getting interest from Florida but ESPN believes LSU is an even better fit for him. Here’s some analysis from ESPN’s Adam Rittenberg:
Perhaps Florida can still get its man, but Kiffin should be near or at the very top of LSU’s wish list. He wouldn’t have to deal with in-state competitors there, and would lead a program with few if any limitations with resources, facilities and fan base.
Sumrall is 1 of the best coaches in the Group of Five and would be an in-state candidate. He’s been at Tulane since the start of the 2024 season and has the Green Wave contending for a College Football Playoff berth this season.
Freeman became the head coach at Notre Dame after Kelly left for LSU and he’s coming off a trip to the national championship game. Notre Dame is also still alive to reach the CFP again in 2025.
Key is coaching at his alma mater but could be find success at LSU because of his approach to building in the trenches. Georgia Tech is undefeated this season and is one of the top contenders in the ACC.
Drinkwitz has guided Missouri to sustained success since taking over the program and is an excellent recruiter. The Tigers have won 10+ games in back-to-back seasons and are off to a 6-2 start this season.
In the meantime, Wilson and LSU will have a bye week and then have a road game at rival Alabama on Nov. 8.
