The Brian Kelly era in Baton Rouge is officially over. LSU fired Kelly following a humiliating 49-25 home loss to No. 3 Texas A&M — a defeat that crushed any remaining hopes of a conference title or College Football Playoff appearance.
Now, as the Tigers begin their search for a new leader, one familiar name has quickly gained traction: Nick Saban. The former LSU head coach, who led the program to a national championship in 2003 before departing for the NFL and eventually Alabama, has emerged as a surprise talking point in early LSU next head coach odds.
With another high-end coaching vacancy on the market, there are some heavy-hitters linked to this opening. Let's take a look at the frontrunners with data courtesy of Kalshi.
LSU next head coach odds
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Why did LSU fire Brian Kelly?
Brian Kelly left Notre Dame in search of an elusive National Championship, which ultimately never came. He compiled a 24-14 record over four years and won a bowl game in each of his first three seasons in Baton Rouge.
After winning the opener against No. 4 Clemson and taking a 4-0 record into Week 5, the wheels fell off. The LSU Tigers have dropped three of their last four SEC games, and the defense has gotten worse with every passing week.
Chants of "Fire Kelly" could be heard last week as they let Texas A&M score 35 straight points, turning an 18-14 halftime lead into a 49-18 deficit.
The writing was on the wall, and with LSU on a bye this week, the time was now.
Brian Kelly buyout information
Kelly was lured away from Notre Dame and signed a 10-year contract in 2021. This included $95-million in salary, which was 90% guaranteed. Just four years later, Kelly and the school are in the midst of working through a $54-million buyout.
LSU next head coach favorites
Lane Kiffin
There isn't a vacant coaching job out there that doesn't have Lane Kiffin's name tied to it...and with good reason.
Kiffin has the Mississippi Rebels all but into the CFP, and has the SEC know-it-all to thrive in big games.
Florida wants him, Mississippi wants to keep him, and now LSU will attempt to lure him away from both programs.
Kiffin would immediately improve the offense, and that's something the Tigers desperately need in the explosive SEC.
Jon Sumrall
There is a lot to like about Jon Sumrall from a coaching perspective. He did some pretty great things at Troy, going 23-4 across two years, and now, through a season-and-a-half with the Tulane Green Wave, he's continuing to succeed.
The Green Wave are 6-1 and in position to make a possible push for a College Football Playoff spot if they can capture the AAC title.
Sumrall is a master motivator and a good X's and O's guy, so the fit couldn't be better.
The only problem is that LSU is likely going big game hunting, and I don't think hiring a coach from the AAC is the trophy coach they are seeking.
🏈 Nick Saban
You can’t mention LSU without at least entertaining the Nick Saban whispers.
The legendary coach once turned the Tigers into a national powerhouse, capturing a national championship in 2003 before departing for the NFL and, eventually, Alabama, where he cemented his legacy as the greatest college football coach of all time.
Now, with LSU back in the market, Saban’s name is once again floating around Baton Rouge. It’s unlikely, sure, but in the wild world of SEC football, you never say never.
A Saban return would send shockwaves through college football, and that alone is enough to keep the rumor mill spinning.
Joe Brady
When Penn State fired James Franklin, Joe Brady emerged as a candidate to replace James Franklin in Happy Valley.
Well, given how much of a hot commodity Brady appears to be, he's now among the favorites to return to Death Valley, where he won a National Championship in 2019.
Brady is a great offensive mind, and he would be a very exciting hire for a team that needs to find a way to get the most out of its offense.
With Garrett Nussmeier off to the NFL next year, Brady would have to recruit well and have a game plan in place for immediate success.
This would be a splash, but is Brady ready to call it quits (for now) on the NFL?
🏈 James Franklin
This might be the funniest/worst thing to happen to LSU since this:
LSU coach Brian Kelly is dancing again — this time with TE target Danny Lewis.
— Rivals High School (@Rivals_HS) January 29, 2022
Rate his dance moves 🕺👇
pic.twitter.com/jy30vO62a4
There is no way LSU fires Brian Kelly, only to bring in a coach who has a reputation for falling flat in big games.
Franklin is considered a 'good' coach because he's won 68% of his games between Penn State and Vanderbilt.
But, and here's the big but, he's never won the big one.
If he thought life in the Big Ten was tough, the SEC is a whole other level.
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Not intended for use in MA.
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