LSU coaching search: CBS Sports names 5 candidates, 3 dark horses to replace Brian Kelly

CBS Sports named five candidates and three dark horses to replace Brian Kelly at LSU now that the coaching search is in motion. And it’s a fascinating list to say the least!

The candidates for LSU were listed as the top five guys on this list. As far as the ones that could be crazy to say out loud, those are the final three on this list.

Don’t rule it out! Where there’s smoke, there’s fire right? Anyway, let’s roll into LSU’s coaching candidates as of the end of October, per CBS Sports.

Lane Kiffin, Ole Miss HC

Kiffin is at the top of everyone’s list at this point. LSU is no exception now that they fired Brian Kelly before season’s end.

Kiffin is at the top of Florida’s list it seems as well. So, it’ll be an arms race for the Ole Miss head coach. He’s 112-53 overall and 51-19 at Ole Miss since 2020.

Joe Brady, Buffalo Bills OC

Could Brady return to college? It seems CBS Sports is high on the idea of Brady coming back to LSU for the first time in six years.

He was the passing game architect for LSU as Joe Burrow won a Heisman and the Tigers went 15-0, winning it all under Ed Orgeron in 2019. He’s been in the NFL since then and could be in line for a head coaching gig, so this might be a longer shot than others on the list.

James Franklin, former Penn State HC

Franklin was fired a few weeks ago. Feels like longer at this point right? Despite his inability to get over the top against the most elite competition, Penn State was one of the most consistent top programs under his watch.

He’s fresh off a College Football Playoff semifinal run, so maybe LSU can turn the page to him. He has SEC experience from his successful short stint at Vanderbilt. Franklin is 128-60 overall and went 104-45 at Penn State

Jon Sumrall, Tulane HC

Sumrall might be the next big name to jump into the Power Four level. He went 23-4 at Troy over two seasons and is 15-6 at Tulane as we speak. A College Football Playoff appearance could be in store for the Green Wave.

Now just imagine the LSU resources for Sumrall at this point. He wouldn’t even had to leave Louisiana state lines to take this gig and the Tigers would be wise to see if they could make this move.

Marcus Freeman, Notre Dame HC

Here’s a huge swing for the fences. But do you want to repeat yourself here? Kelly was hired by LSU away from Notre Dame, paving the way for Freeman to take over the Irish.

He’s been nothing but successful, just made the national championship game and they could win out and make the CFP once again. Freeman is the ultimate leader and has carte blanche in South Bend, so would he actually make the move after denying Kelly of joining him just four years ago? Freeman is 38-12 as a head coach.

Dark Horse: Jimbo Fisher, former Texas A&M, Florida State HC

Fisher might be ready for a return to college coaching. The Texas A&M gig didn’t work out after he won a national title at Florida State, leaving for greener pastures. Ironically, Scott Woodward hired him at A&M before eventually leaving for LSU.

Would he hire him again? The investment didn’t pay off with SEC titles, CFP appearances or national titles with the Aggies, who seem to be better off now. Fisher was a highly successful coach and could probably still win a lot of games. But a national title at LSU? It’d be quite a risk as of this time it seems. Fisher is 128-48 overall as a head coach.

Dark Horse: Dabo Swinney, Clemson HC

How about Swinney going from Clemson to LSU? Swinney already didn’t embrace NIL and the transfer portal at Clemson until very recently, and it still seems reluctant. 

A winner of two national titles, Swinney’s one of the most successful coaches this century, but it’s fair to wonder if the game is starting to pass him as he struggles in 2025. Still, hard to argue with a 183-51 overall record.

Ultimate Dark Horse: Nick Saban, former Alabama, LSU HC

Well, we penned this as the ultimate dark horse from CBS Sports’ list. Can you imagine if Nick Saban returns to coaching and goes BACK to LSU? College football man.

Arguably the greatest coach of all-time in the history of college football, Saban has repeatedly said he’s not interested in a return to coaching. He even joked you have to keep financial figures and Jimmy Sexton away from Miss Terry, otherwise it might happen! Saban won a national title at LSU, before a quick NFL stint and six national titles at Alabama to end his career. Saban is 292-71-1 overall as a head coach and went a staggering 201-29 at Alabama.