Realistic Next Steps

News just broke so now it's time to turn the page. This is the most attractive job available in this cycle, so you'll presumably have your pick of who's available. The advantage here is the dirt. No state pumps out more NFL talent per capita than Louisiana, so if you can lock down the state and go grab a couple big time recruits from around the country you'll always have plenty of talent.

However, it's not the perfect job. It remains to be seen if the next coach will have real NIL support. Boosters just ponied up $20M for this roster and look how that turned out. Not to mention the checks they'll have to write for coaches. Another thing to think about is the fanbase. When it's going good, there's no better place to be head coach. However, look at how this place chewed up and spit Kelly out in under 4 years. That will turn some coaches off.

With all that said, what are the best, most realistic candidates?

Personally, I'm done with going after the big fish. My vote would be a young, hungry option that has done it at a lower level or at the coordinator level that is ready for a jump up in quality. Some exceptions to this are Kiffin and Lanning. I think Kiffin is content to stay in Oxford because of that program's low expectations and the lifestyle there. Conversely, I would be shocked if Lanning decided to walk away from the pile of Nike money.

Rhett Lashlee, like Lanning, is a very interesting option but may not want to walk away from the immense NIL budget. My personal front runner would be John Sumrall. Already in state and has completely revived Tulane. Has relationships with HS coaches already and seems to "get" Louisiana.

Long read but MAN I am jacked up. Very exciting times. Lol