Here's who ChatGPT thinks we should hire

LSU Coaching Search: Who Should Step In, What It Really Takes — and My Pick

Here’s where things stand: LSU just pulled the trigger on a ~$54 million buyout with Brian Kelly, the interim AD Verge Ausberry has publicly stated that this next hire is expected to bring LSU into the 12-team playoff every season, and the pressure cooker has been turned to high. We’re talking about a coach who can: win in the SEC West every year, manage NIL like a pro, recruit Louisiana like it’s his backyard, steer the ship in a chaotic booster/administration environment, AND develop a QB who doesn’t embarrass us. That’s the job.

What winning looks like here (and historically):

SEC experience / credibility

Consistent recruiting horsepower (especially Louisiana + portal)

QB development or the ability to bring in the staff who will

Quick hires of top assistants — you don’t want to spend year one getting your coordinator room sorted

Ability to be the face of fundraising/boosters/politics—not just Xs & Os


Top candidates & how I rank them:

1. Lane Kiffin – The “win now” guy. He’s already producing at a high level in the SEC, develops QBs, is portal-savvy. If LSU offers elite money and lets him run the show, you’re buying into that champ ceiling. But big risk: He’s comfortable where he’s at, the buyout is steep, and he might pass if he doesn’t like the architecture.

Upside: Title game, high-profile recruiting, offense flies.

Risk: Circus, cultural fit questions, if he walks you might get stuck.



2. Jon Sumrall – The “fit + attainable” guy. Builds programs, strong Louisiana presence, good recruiter, defensive mindset. Probably the best dollar-for-win value.

Upside: Sustained 10-win+ seasons, strong identity, connection to state.

Risk: Might not be the flashy brand you want for a national title campaign, needs offensive staff hire to unlock full ceiling.



3. Jeff Brohm – Scheme smart, QB friendly. But very unlikely to move (home state ties, massive buyout) so this might be more wishful than realistic.


4. Brent Key – Culture builder, trench guy. Realistic but less proven in SEC as HC.


5. Marcus Freeman – Elite traits but basically a non-starter for LSU unless ND implodes.



My recommendation (final pick):
If I had to choose one, I’d go Jon Sumrall. He hits almost every box: recruiting, Louisiana ties, staff building, affordability relative to mega-names, and he’s probably realistic about taking LSU now — which means you can lock him in, get staff assembled early, and avoid dragging year one into “startup mode.” You might give up a shot at the 2027 title, but you’re far more likely to hit the 2026 playoff and build a lasting winner rather than gamble everything on a yes from Lane Kiffin and praying he stays five years.

So my vote: Offer Sumrall the package now, move fast, build your staff and roster, and set LSU back to being the model in Louisiana + top SEC West every year.