LSU coaching rumors tracker: Latest news on Lane Kiffin, Jon Sumrall, more potential Brian Kelly replacements originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
As fall turns to winter, the college football coaching carousel could be as busy as it’s been in four years, if not longer.
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It was four years ago that LSU was one of many power players in the hiring cycle, snagging Brian Kelly from Notre Dame in a stunner. With Kelly fired amid a disappointing season, the Tigers could dictate the rest of the carousel when they land on their new head coach.
From eye-popping names like Nick Saban and Lane Kiffin to up-and-coming candidates like Jon Sumrall, nothing can be ruled out in the SEC.
The Sporting News is tracking the latest news and rumors from LSU’s coaching search below.
MORE:Complete guide to the College Football Playoff format
LSU coaching rumors tracker
Kiffin family visits Gainesville, Baton Rouge
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LSU picked up Kiffin’s family members in a private plane on Monday and flew them to Baton Rouge to tour the city, the New Orleans Advocate/Times Picayune confirmed.
Fans keeping an eye toward the skies first noticed a private jet flying from Oxford to Baton Rouge, and those rumors quickly turned to credible reports that the flight was related to LSU’s pursuit of Kiffin. After rumors circulated about a potential visit to Gainesville on Sunday, On3 confirmed Kiffin’s family indeed made that trip as well.
Jon Sumrall, Eli Drinkwitz could be LSU targets
Tulane’s Jon Sumrall and Missouri’s Eli Drinkwitz could be LSU’s next options if Kiffin decides not to make the move to Baton Rouge, the New Orleans Advocate/Times Picayune reports. Sumrall has also been heavily connected to Auburn, while Drinkwitz has Missouri at 7-3 on the season and has been in Columbia for six seasons.
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Ole Miss looking for Kiffin resolution this week
Ole Miss is seeking a resolution on Kiffin’s status with the program this week, On3’s Pete Nakos reports.
The Rebels are in an awkward position, as they are likely headed to the College Football Playoff and would not see their season end for another month at the very earliest in that scenario. Kiffin, meanwhile, is already at the center of both the LSU and Florida coaching searches.
“If Lane Kiffin doesn’t meet deadline, Ole Miss would have to decide if it would allow him to coach in the playoffs,” On3’s Brett McMurphy reported.
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Lane Kiffin the ‘focus’ of LSU search
While LSU reached out to Nick Saban to gauge his interest after firing Brian Kelly, Kiffin is now the focus of the Tigers’ coaching search, FootballScoop reports.
“Many in the profession do not expect Lane to make that move as the bad blood doesn’t feel like something Lane is into these days,” the report adds, also confirming that some kind of a resolution could happen this week.
