The latest on the LSU coaching search

LSU, you have fired Brian Kelly after less than four years ago giving him perhaps the sport's all-time largest guaranteed contract. Getting this right has to be the only option. 

First order of business, is actually somewhat complicated. LSU is nearing a selection for a new President of the University. Once that is done (possibly as soon as two weeks from now), there should be clarity about how much influence Scott Woodward will have on this search. As you will hear in the podcast below, sources tell FootballScoop Deputy AD Verge Ausberry will have a significant role and voice in this search. 

The first call in this search has to be to Nick Saban. "Nick, if you ever want to coach again, this is a great opportunity, you just tell us what it will take."

The current ESPN College GameDay analyst and certified coaching G.O.A.T. of the sport's modern era, Saban won his first national title at LSU, remains revered there and understands the dynamics of both the bayou and the SEC.

Sources have emphasized to FootballScoop since the Penn State opening that Saban, who turns 74 on Friday, is content with his current lifestyle and earnings crowding eight figures annually without being in the coaching grind.

Beyond the call to Saban, LSU has to make the call to Lane Kiffin.  

Knock once. Knock twice. Knock thrice.

Make Lane Kiffin keep answering the door. Make him keep refusing to allow you to enter. 

Or, make him an offer -- which Kiffin himself has outlined centers around much more than mere dollars -- that he cannot refuse.

If Jimmy Sexton tells you, "He just can't get Lane to leave Oxford right now" the next call should be to Jon Sumrall. 

Tulane head coach Jon Sumrall gives you an elite program-builder and defensive mind with sneaky good charisma and also a great understanding of all things bayou.

In Year 2 atop the Green Wave program, Sumrall's in Year 5 of coaching in New Orleans having spent several years there earlier in his career as well. That's fully one-fourth of his collegiate coaching career at this point.

Additionally, he's a former SEC player and assistant coach at the University of Kentucky. That's a double-dip of fit and understanding.

He could move an hour west, triple his salary and helm a program with resources and built-in advantages the likes of which Sumrall never has had.

There's all this discussion and more on today's FootballScoop Podcast, examining the state of LSU football and the latest in the Tigers's coaching search. 

As a reminder, the FootballScoop podcast is available on Apple, Spotify, Amazon, iHeart and....well you'll find it. You also can find us on social media, via Twitter / X: @FootballScoop, @CoachSamz, @JohnDBrice1 and @Zach_Barnett. 

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Wednesday Update> The Governor has spoken, Scott Woodward will not be making this hire.