The writing had been on the wall. The rumors had been growing stronger and stronger. The dissent from fans had become more overwhelming than the stadium pulse in Death Valley when the times were good. On Sunday afternoon, Brian Kelly was fired as the head coach of the LSU Tigers despite a 34-14 record.
With a history of producing talented playmakers and challenging for national championships, the LSU job is one that almost any head coach would want. But who could the Tigers find to replace Kelly as the leader of the program in the wake of his firing?
#1 James Franklin, Former Penn State Head Coach
Recently appearing on ESPN’s College GameDay, former Penn State head coach James Franklin made waves within the college football community. This came after he announced his intent to return to the game as soon as possible.
“I thought we were going to win a national championship there,” Franklin explained. “That goal hasn’t changed. We’re now going to win a national championship somewhere else.”
Within the Tigers camp, the expectation is undeniably to contend for a national championship, which Kelly has failed to deliver during his almost-four-year tenure. Hiring Franklin would ensure a head coach with the same aspirations as the program, although there are some reservations where expectation meets reality.
The closest Franklin ever got to winning a national championship at Penn State was last year. After going 11-1 in the regular season, the Nittany Lions made it to the College Football Playoff semifinal. An Orange Bowl loss to the Notre Dame Fighting Irish curtailed the dream of ultimate success early.
#2 Dan Mullen, UNLV Head Coach
One of the main criticisms surrounding the current LSU head coach is his SEC record. The Tigers have lost multiple conference games in each of their campaigns so far. With that in mind, the Tigers could potentially look for a head coach who has proven experience in the self-styled best conference in the sport.
During his tenure in the SEC, Dan Mullen led the Mississippi State Bulldogs to eight consecutive bowl games after taking over in 2009, also guiding the school to a No. 1 national ranking in 2014. Currently, the former Bulldogs and Florida Gators coach is the head coach at the UNLV Rebels.
After being fired from Florida, Mullen took a three-year break from coaching college football. However, following his return, the head coach has looked as sharp as ever. UNLV is fighting atop the Mountain West, with just one loss, a 15.1% chance of winning the conference, and an outside shot of making the College Football Playoff.
However, after recent rumors linked him with the vacant Arkansas Razorbacks job, the UNLV head coach revealed he has no interest in departing the program.
“I’ll be here… You want me to do that? I’m gonna be the head coach at UNLV next year, I’ll be here. I’m not going anywhere… I said it to the players. I told them that.” Mullen revealed to the media when questioned about taking a bigger coaching job.
This practically rules him out of contention. That said, stranger things have happened in college football, and a big-money deal to rejoin the SEC could prove too appealing to turn down.
#3 Dan Lanning, Oregon Head Coach
If LSU were looking to potentially break the college football world, making a move for Oregon Ducks head coach Dan Lanning could be a potential option. The former Georgia defensive coordinator is hot property when the coaching carousel turns, and currently has the Ducks primed for another College Football Playoff run despite a loss to the Indiana Hoosiers.
Lanning was rumored to leave Oregon for the Alabama Crimson Tide job a few seasons ago after Nick Saban retired. After Kalen DeBoer took the job instead, he chose to stay at Oregon. Potentially, a second knock from the SEC could move him.
READ MORE: What is Brian Kelly’s Buyout? How Much Will LSU Owe Him if Fired?
“I’ve been very clear and adamant that I’m not going anywhere,” Lanning told reporters. “A lot of coaches use that as an opportunity to say, ‘OK, I’m either going to get a big raise where I’m at,’ or maybe they really want that other job.”
Lanning clearly doesn’t seem himself in those categories and appears to be committed to cementing Oregon as a consistent national championship contender. However, a return to the conference that he once helped Georgia dominate might prove alluring for the Ducks’ head coach.
#4 Matt Rhule, Nebraska.
During a recent episode of ‘CBS Sports HQ,’ 247 Sports analyst Tom Loy discussed the potential of Rhule taking over Penn State after Franklin’s departure. However, this statement could also potentially ring true for LSU if the program were to acquire a new head coach and quarterback as a two-for-one bargain.
“I think with Matt Rhule, you’re getting a Dylan Raiola as well,” the analyst revealed. This is a potential solution to a problem the Tigers might face next season, with starting quarterback Garrett Nussmeier set to graduate and enter the NFL.
Raiola hasn’t been shy about Rhule’s influence on his decision to commit to Nebraska. A five-star prospect, he was destined for Georgia before surprising the college football world with his decision to sign for the Cornhuskers. He’s previously described their relationship as “special” and “unique,” leading many to suspect that he’ll follow wherever Rhule goes.
#5 Jon Sumrall, Tulane Head Coach
If LSU wants to find a head coach with a proven track record, it doesn’t have to look too far. Tulane University is just 79.5 miles (80 minutes if you prefer) down the I-10 W from the home of the Tigers, and the in-state rivals have a head coach who is already attracting attention in this round of hirings and firings.
Jon Sumrall led the Troy Trojans to a 23-4 record and an AP Poll ranking in two seasons, earning Sun Belt Coach of the Year honors for his first campaign at the helm. That success earned him the opportunity with the Tulane Green Wave, where he’s quickly set the standard for success. The program is currently shaping up for a run at a conference title and playoff spot.
In four years as a college head coach, Sumrall has amassed a 38-10 record. He’s also proved popular with every fan base he’s been around, while proving a magnet for talented playmakers in the transfer portal. The one sticking point, perhaps, as it pertains to him becoming the next head coach of the LSU Tigers? He’s debunked rumors of his recruitment all year.
“I’m very content,” Sumrall told Carl Prather of WAFF 48 earlier this month. “I love what I’m doing, where I’m doing it, and who I’m doing it with.” The Tulane head coach also claimed that “if I wanted to be a Power Four coach or if the decision is about money, I wouldn’t be at Tulane.”