Who are the top candidates to replace Ed Orgeron at LSU?

10/18/2021

College football reporter.
Joined ESPN.com in 2008.
Graduate of Northwestern University.

Less than two years after winning a national title with one of college football’s greatest teams, Ed Orgeron is out as LSU’s coach.

A messy 2020 season and a poor start to 2021 sealed Orgeron’s fate. LSU’s non-competitive loss to Kentucky on Oct. 9 signaled that Orgeron’s time would soon be ending. Despite Saturday’s win over Florida, LSU decided to move on with Orgeron still set to coach out the season.

The Louisiana native considered LSU a dream job, but many linked the 2019 title more to Heisman trophy-winning quarterback Joe Burrow and elite young playcaller Joe Brady. LSU is only 9-8 since that duo left following their championship season.

One of college football’s premier coaching jobs is now open. Although drama seems to follow LSU at every turn, the last three coaches there — Nick Saban, Les Miles and Orgeron — won national titles. Louisiana is an elite recruiting ground, and facilities and fan support remain strong. Athletic director Scott Woodward is expected to lead a bold search. Woodward hired Chris Petersen at Washington and brought Jimbo Fisher from Florida State to Texas A&M.

Although two Group of 5 coaches will appear below, Woodward is likely to swing big and target major names with Power 5 head-coaching experience.

Here’s a look at potential candidates for the LSU job:

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