****update 8:10*** Don't shoot the Messenger

I interned during my undergrad at the LSU Athletic Office. I still have close friends in the AD office.

I just recieved a text that O hit a homerun during the meeting. He has alot of support in the building. This doesn't mean O has the job. It just means he didnt disqualify himself. He just made the decesion that much tougher. He is willing to take substantially less than Herman and Fisher until he proves himself further. Money does talk both ways.


The Admin does not believe the whole system is broken and that is why they are reluctant to blow the whole system up like some on here want. So this plays well for O.

However, the "big boosters" want Herman/ Fisher. They are not against O but want Herman and Fisher to turn them down first before getting behind O. O likely soldified himself ahead of Fedora and Gundy.

I am told there are 5 people in this process, Alexander, Alleva, Verge, 2 BOS members.

Again dont shoot the messenger, just tidbit.


ETA 12:20**** Subsequent text from friend is saying O is likely to stay regardless if he doesnt get job. He will get large raise most likely will be highest paid position coach/ recruiting coordinator. O doesnt want to burn bridges at home like what happened in USC. He will likely stay until he gets a P5 chance.


ETA 1:40**** AD office is recieving alot of Pro O comments from former players. O is recieving support from the current locker room and past locker room. Looks like Ponamsky PR outreach is helping. This will not effect choosing next HC.

It is still Herman/Fisher race. Yes, Fisher is still in race, but Herman has passed up Fisher. Sexton is trying to get Fisher back in the race, but he seems to have blew his load early. Sexton really pissed off JA. They had a deal in place and gave FIsher everything he wanted. Every LSU offer meeting Fisher's requirments were met with another riduclous counter-offer. LSU did meet many outrageous demands. The constant moving of goal post has been taken as Fisher is not serious.

Herman and LSU had a handshake agreement on Monday that stipualted the two parties would entire real negotiations after 48 hours. Hence the rumors about LSU giving Fisher 48 hours and Herman giving Texas 48 to hear from a UT decesion maker and not a booster. Fisher tried calling the bluff, but LSU broke off talks. Same thing happend on Herman's side.

LSU and Herman met on Wednesday to discuss terms. NO OFFER WAS GIVEN, but serious talks did start. Herman's agent trying to get leverage on LSU told BIG TEXAS BOOSTER LSU gave an offer. This caused the fiasco last night during the game. Texas Boosters are trying to force the Texas Admin to make call now. Apparently, Admirable McRaven (UT Chancellor and NAVY SEAL) is supporting Strong and basically told the boosters to FLIP off!

Basically, Herman's agent really pissed off LSU because LSU was willing to meet Hermans demands. Then Herman's agent bascially did a poor Sexton imitation. Lsu really likes Herman but will not get in bidding war for him because they do not consider him equal to Saban and Meyer yet. If LSU doesnt land Herman it is Herman's agent and Texas Boosters fault.

This update further leads me to believe O is clear top tier 2 candidate and Texas controls the chess board still.


ETA 4:30***** Press has begun. Admin will not let Texas dicated search. It is a take it or leave it.

I am assuming this is transpiring because Texas is losing and Herman just lost. This would be an ideal situation for LSU to push for acceptance.

ETA 9:10****** There are 2 factions right now. If you are keeping track of this board it's Herman and O the same goes for decesion makers.

LSU did present a hard offer and I have not heard back. Herman is doing exactly what they thought he would do. LSU will NOT OVERPAY for Herman. They will pay him top dollar but will not OVERPAY. They are suppose to meet tomorrow. They hope to get an interview before Texas to close the deal. However, If Herman starts acting like Fisher, LSU will move on to O.

Like I said before, the lines of communication are still open with Fisher. So this could be the wild card. I would not be surprised if Sexton swoops in last minute with an offer LSU cant pass up, but that is not the case this second.

On O front, I heard O's plan, and as a Herman supporter, I'm impressed. O's proposed staff is extremely impressive and O has recieved confirmation about those spots. O also hit all the right buttons. Relationship are very important and it is obvious O checks that block. The key to O's deal is that it puts LSU first and not the coach. If it doesnt work out then LSU will not be in a long term bind like with Herman or Fisher. O would get a 4 year deal with literally no protection.

Alleva is willing to pay top dollar and give into many other demands but, he does not want to hurt LSU with a MIles like deal.

This part is MY OPINION****** From my talks I believe Herman gets Right of 1st Refusal with O being named if Herman refuses. I expect Sunday to be the day for the key reason that they will give Fisher every second possible. This very second I would bet Herman to Texas on 5 Dimes. Love it or hate it, that is the current spade.


ETA 8:10****** Herman wanted Saban type money. Like I said from the start LSU would NOT OVERPAY.

I TOLD YALL YESTERDAY, most on here would not be happy. I even stated that I would have bet on Herman to Texas on 5 Dimes.

O deal will be 3.5 ish for 4 years
Kiffin and Aranda to get over 2 million.

O really blew the doors off in the interview like I said and Admin was comfortable with O.

Sorry, I'm not excited either.