The college football season hasn't even reached it's halfway point, but the coaching carousel has already started with the LSU Tigers deciding to fire Les Miles two weeks ago. Now that LSU has made a mid-season change, they are the premier opening in the college football world. Here's all the latest news and rumors you need to know involving LSU's coaching search:
Herman prefers Texas over LSU?
LSU has already made it known that Tom Herman is one of their top choices, and while Herman is rumored to have interest in the opening, there are reports citing sources close to Herman that say Texas is his top choice.
He started his career as a graduate assistant with the Longhorns in 1999 and 2000, and has spend his entire coaching career in the state outside of stints as the offensive coordinator for Iowa State (2009-11) and Ohio State (2012-14). If that is indeed the case, it is not a surprise to see the Longhorns ramping up the heat on Charlie Strong - they don't want to miss out on Herman if they aren't completely satisfied with Strong.
What shot does Orgeron have?
Offensive line coach Ed Orgeron has taken over as interim head coach for Miles, his second stint as an interim coach after leading USC to a 6-2 mark after they fired Lane Kiffin midseason. Many don't expect him to get serious consideration for the LSU job, but Fansided's Schondell Thomas writes that a similar record in Baton Rouge could put him in contention:
It was presumed that USC chose to go in a different direction because Coach Orgeron was unable to finish out his magical run; with losses to bitter rivals in UCLA and Notre Dame. However, what gets lost in his brief tenure is the fact that he took down then #4 Stanford at home.
While it may only be a marginal sample size, it did demonstrate that Coach O is capable of coaching with the big boys.
Extrapolating that scenario, to one here in Baton Rouge, it would put Coach O with another 6-2 record to finish the season. However, his losses would have to come at the hands of both Alabama and Arkansas; but with a victory over Ole Miss and a 17th consecutive bowl bid. With his exuberant coaching style, the changes he’s made on offense, and a realistic scenario of 6-2, Coach Ed “Bebe” Orgeron could be next in line to be the Tigers next Head Ball Coach.
Orgeron was the head coach at Ole Miss from 2005-2007 (the only time he has been a permanent head coach) and posted a 10-25 mark in three seasons.
Orgeron to keep job with Alabama win?
In fact, Orgeron might not even have to go 6-2 to get the job. According to ESPN's Chris Low, a win over Alabama might be enough on it's own for LSU to keep Orgeron around:
It's a given Alleva is going to look around, and Florida State's Jimbo Fisher and Houston's Tom Herman will be high on his list. But a person close to the situation told ESPN.com that Alleva is also serious about giving Orgeron legitimate consideration if the Tigers finish strong this season and continue to look as sharp and as re-energized as they did against Missouri, particularly on offense.
"If they beat Alabama [on Nov. 5], they might sign him to a new contract before midnight," a source told ESPN.com.
In their first game under Orgeron, LSU beat Missouri, 42-7, on Saturday.
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