The LSU Tigers wrapped up their regular season schedule versus Texas A&M on Thursday and while some fans have thrown their support behind interim coach Ed Orgeron to take over that job full-time, the program has every reason to consider all of its options. LSU will need to make sure it is in the best possible position not just for the short-term but in the long-term with a coach that can recruit, develop and maximize his team’s potential in order to win games. Here is a look at the most likely candidates to be the next head coach at LSU.
Ed Orgeron, LSU Head Coach (Interim)
Coach O has a shot at the job…just not a very good one. He took over for Les Miles but he didn’t really change the trajectory of the team. He’ll have a tough time making any case otherwise – especially after the Florida and Alabama losses.
The other issue for Coach O is that he’s not a sexy name. He’s not a big brand that’s going to attract a lot of quality recruits to the program. He’s a good assistant coach and that’s where he’ll stay – either at LSU or elsewhere.
Tom Herman, Houston Cougars Head Coach
It was long assumed that Herman was heading to Texas, but hold those horses. LSU is already in negotiations with Herman and they’re looking to swoop in and steal him from UT. Make no mistakes about it: he’s at the top of LSU’s wishlist as of right now. And he’s going to leave Houston – especially after their sour loss to Memphis to end their regular season. Bigger opportunities are calling. The only question is if its in Texas or in Louisiana.
Jimbo Fisher, Florida State Head Coach
It’s beginning to look like Fisher could be the most likely candidate to take over as the head coach at LSU following a long courtship between the two. According to reports, Fisher’s agent Jimmy Sexton has pushed hard for his client to take over as the head coach of the Tigers with rumors that LSU is prepared to pay Fisher $6 million or more as well as pay for his $5 million buyout from Florida State. As if that wasn’t enough, the same reports have the Tigers willing to provide a lucrative housing allowance in order to make up for the state tax Fisher would have to pay in Louisiana that he is not forced to pay in Florida. It seems as though both sides want to get something done so it won’t shock anybody if it turns out to be Fisher that ends up as the head coach at LSU as he is certainly the odds-on favorite to land the job if he wants it.
Ed Orgeron, LSU Interim Head Coach
Orgeron is reportedly scheduled to sit down with athletic director Joe Alleva on Friday for what will essentially be a closed-door interview at the conclusion of LSU’s football season. There is no doubt that this season’s results will factor in to the conversation but Alleva will also inquire about what type of approach Orgeron will take moving forward and how he would plan to turn things around. It’s also important to keep in mind that if Orgeron isn’t the Tigers’ first choice for the head coaching gig he might be their best option as defensive coordinator since he is undoubtedly one of the best defensive line coaches in the entire country. Orgeron brings a lot to the table so it will be very interesting to see what Alleva thinks will be the best fit for him.
Larry Fedora, North Carolina Head Coach
If the Tigers don’t land Fisher and decide that Orgeron isn’t there best bet, they could end up turning to the current Tar Heels head coach. Fedora transformed North Carolina in to a top-10 team a year ago and while they have taken a step back in the standings this season they do have notable wins over Florida State and Miami. Fedora has the experience and resume worthy of a high-profile coaching gig so expect him to be in the mix to take this job if it’s not Fisher or Orgeron.
Justin Fuente, Virginia Tech Head Coach
Fuente was one of the hottest head coaching commodities on the market before deciding to sign with Virginia Tech in the offseason and he has made an immediate impact as the Hokies own the best record in the ACC Coastal at 8-3. As is the case with Fedora, Fuente would only ever be a secondary option behind Fisher and Orgeron but there is still a chance that LSU would be interested in him based on his track record at such a young age. The fact that Fuente has accomplished so much already and is still just 40-years-old is extremely impressive so he could be one more option that the Tigers will consider for the head coach vacancy.
