LSU football is once again at a crossroads after parting ways with head coach Brian Kelly. The decision came after a disappointing 2025 campaign that failed to meet the lofty expectations in Baton Rouge. Kelly’s tenure ended abruptly following a home loss to Texas A&M.
As the university works to realign its football identity, several high-profile names have already been linked to the opening. Among them, none have stirred more buzz than Ole Miss head coach Lane Kiffin.
Kiffin’s reputation as one of the most dynamic offensive minds in college football instantly placed him at the top of LSU’s rumored wish list. Fans quickly latched onto the possibility of Kiffin taking over at Tiger Stadium, viewing him as the kind of high-energy leader who could reawaken LSU’s dominance.
But according to college football analyst Josh Pate, those dreams might be premature. On his latest episode of Josh Pate’s College Football Show, Pate pushed back against the swirling speculation. He made it clear that the chances of Lane Kiffin or even Nick Saban taking the LSU job are slim to none.
“I don’t think Lane Kiffin knows whether he’ll take this job if it gets offered to him,” Pate SAID. “You don’t have to have it figured out right now. And I don’t think Lane does, and I don’t think LSU does. That search in many ways is just now starting.”
Pate explained that Kiffin is currently locked in on his Ole Miss season, one that has the Rebels firmly in contention, and that he’s not the type to entertain external distractions while chasing a championship run. LSU might be a glamorous destination, but for now, Kiffin seems content where he is.
Josh Pate’s Top Leading Candidates to Replace Brian Kelly at LSU
While fans fixate on big names, Josh Pate believes LSU’s next coach will come from a pool of rising leaders and proven developers. According to him, Notre Dame’s Marcus Freeman stands out as a leading candidate.
Freeman’s defensive acumen, leadership qualities, and recruiting prowess align perfectly with LSU’s vision of rebuilding a disciplined and physical identity. His energy and relatability have made him a favorite among players, something LSU values deeply after Kelly’s polarizing tenure.
Pate also mentioned Arizona State’s Kenny Dillingham, Louisville’s Jeff Brohm, and Buffalo Bills assistant Joe Brady as strong contenders.
Among these names, Pate believes Freeman represents the best long-term fit. But despite his endorsement of Freeman, Pate stated that the Tigers are likely just in the beginning phase of their search for a new head coach.
Read More:
College Sports Network has you covered with the latest news, analysis, insights, and trending stories in college football, men’s college basketball, women’s college basketball, and college baseball!
