Replacing Woodward with AI

quote:

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Who would be the best hire for LSU's new football coach, looking at an up-and-coming coach under 55 years old with a proven winning track record in the unlikeliest of places

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If Anthropic's Claude were our athletic director:

Looking at coaches who fit your criteria - under 55, proven winners in unlikely places - here are some compelling candidates for LSU:

Jamey Chadwell (47 years old) - Currently at Liberty, previously transformed Coastal Carolina from FCS afterthought to stunning success. His "option-based spread" offense is innovative and has produced wins everywhere. Took Coastal from 3-9 to 11-1 with a win over BYU in just three years. At Liberty, he's continued that success. He's proven he can build programs from scratch.

Willie Fritz (64) - Actually just over your age range, but worth noting briefly - turned around programs at Sam Houston State, Georgia Southern, and Tulane. Skip if age is firm.

Dan Lanning (38) - Oregon's head coach is young but has already shown he can win at a high level. While Oregon isn't an "unlikely place," his rapid rise and defensive prowess (Georgia DC under Kirby Smart) shows elite trajectory. Might be hard to pry from Oregon though.

Jon Sumrall (42) - Currently at Tulane (previously Troy), has quickly become one of the hottest names in coaching. Took Troy from 5-7 to 12-2 in two years. His teams are disciplined, tough, and well-coached. Kentucky native who's proven he can build culture fast.

Rhett Lashlee (41) - SMU's head coach has the Mustangs rolling. Offensive innovator who learned under Gus Malzahn and has coordinated at Auburn and Miami. Took SMU from 7-6 to 11-3 and now competing for playoff spots. Dallas isn't exactly "unlikely," but SMU was dormant for decades.

Chris Klieman (57) - Just over your threshold but worth considering - won multiple FCS titles at North Dakota State, then proved it translates at Kansas State, winning in the tough Big 12.

Of these, Jamey Chadwell might be your best fit - he's won everywhere deemed "impossible," runs an exciting offensive system that would play well in the SEC, and is at the perfect career stage to make the jump. Jon Sumrall would be my second choice - younger, Southern roots, and building a reputation as a program transformer.

The key question would be whether any of these coaches can recruit at the SEC level, but their track records suggest they can identify and develop talent others overlook.

Now throwing the same question to Grok in Expert mode:

1. Jon Sumrall - 43 - Tulane (AAC) 38-10 (.792)
Sumrall has dominated at G5 levels, going 23-4 at Troy (Sun Belt) with back-to-back titles before a 15-6 start at Tulane, including a potential AAC crown and CFP spot this year. These are resource-strapped programs in talent-rich Louisiana, yet he's built elite defenses (top-10 nationally in rushing D). As a Kentucky alum with SEC assistant experience (Ole Miss, Kentucky), he's a seamless fit for LSU's recruiting battles—no adjustment needed for the region.

2. Rhett Lashlee - 42 - SMU (ACC) 34-15 (.694)
Lashlee revived SMU from AAC irrelevance to a Power conference contender, guiding them through the transition with a 2024 CFP appearance. His high-powered offenses (Gus Malzahn tree) average 40+ PPG, and he's succeeded at a private school with fewer resources than public powerhouses. SEC roots (Auburn OC) make him ideal for LSU's explosive style, plus strong Texas/Louisiana recruiting ties.

3. Kenny Dillingham - 35 - Arizona State (Big 12) 19-7 (.731)
The youngest FBS head coach, Dillingham inherited a sanctioned, rebuilding ASU and led them to an 11-3 record and playoffs in Year 2. Turning around a program picked last in its conference exemplifies "unlikely" success. His offensive background (Oregon, FSU) and energy would energize LSU's roster, with proven portal mastery for quick fixes.

4. Clark Lea - 44 - Vanderbilt (SEC) 29-34 (.460)
Lea has orchestrated the ultimate underdog story at Vanderbilt, the SEC's historical doormat, pushing them to 7-1 and CFP contention in 2025 with savvy transfers (e.g., QB Diego Pavia). His defensive expertise (Notre Dame DC) and player development shine in a talent-poor environment. Already in the SEC, he'd bring stability and upset potential to LSU without a learning curve.

5. Alex Golesh - 41 - USF (AAC) 20-14 (.588)
Golesh inherited a USF team at rock bottom (4-29 prior) and flipped it to 7-6 in Year 1, with continued growth into 2025. Success at a Florida G5 program with urban recruiting challenges highlights his resilience. His Tennessee OC roots (explosive offenses) align with LSU's history, and he'd excel in the state's talent wars.