LSU to Hire $46 Million Head Coach if Lane Kiffin Deal Fails
Following the recent firing of Brian Kelly, the LSU Tigers are actively pursuing a new head coach. Lane Kiffin, currently leading Ole Miss, is the primary candidate for the position. However, there are indications that LSU is also considering alternatives should Kiffin choose to remain with the Rebels.
Top Coaching Candidates for LSU
ESPN analyst Greg McElroy analyzed the LSU coaching situation on his show, Always College Football. He suggested that Kiffin is likely to accept the LSU offer, but in case he declines, another SEC head coach could be in the running.
Eli Drinkwitz as a Backup Option
McElroy identified Eli Drinkwitz, head coach at Missouri, as a strong candidate if LSU’s pursuit of Kiffin falls through. Drinkwitz has a record of creating effective offensive strategies at Missouri, particularly noted for their strong running game and solid offensive line, aligning well with LSU’s historical strengths.
- Offensive Expertise: Drinkwitz has successfully developed Missouri’s offense, making it competitive in the SEC.
- Strong Defense: His teams have consistently shown robust defensive performance, with Missouri’s defense ranked among the top ten nationally in recent seasons.
Contract Details of Eli Drinkwitz
Drinkwitz recently signed a significant contract extension with Missouri, which runs through 2029. The terms of his deal include:
| Contract Duration | 2025 through 2029 |
|---|---|
| Base Salary (2023) | $9 million |
| Base Salary (2026) | $9.25 million |
| Base Salary (2028) | $9.5 million |
| Total Base Value | $46.5 million |
Despite the competitive nature of his contract, McElroy believes LSU will still consider Drinkwitz if Kiffin opts to remain at Ole Miss.
As the search for a new head coach continues, LSU is evaluating all options while aiming to secure a leader capable of revitalizing their football program for upcoming seasons.
