Here we go. Again.
Right around this time last year, Jimbo Fisher‘s name was prominently mentioned in connection to the LSU job should Les Miles get canned. With the canning happening this year instead, the Florida State head coach’s name has again been attached to what is now an official opening, although Fisher brushed off such talk when asked about the possibility in late September.
Now, with the coaching carousel heating up and gaining speed, the New Orleans Times-Picayune is reporting that Fisher has emerged as a strong candidate to replace Miles. Reportedly, “LSU athletic director Joe Alleva... has maintained the lines of communication with Fisher’s representatives,” which is far from surprising. According to a source close to the situation, the Times-Picayune notes, “Jimbo was Joe’s guy from the beginning, and I just don’t see him passing on hiring him.”
Hiring Fisher away from FSU would cost the coach/school $5 million, a pittance that the university and its boosters wouldn’t blink at paying if they deem Fisher as their guy. That figure, incidentally, drops to $3 million the first day of 2017.
Fisher spent seven seasons (2000-2006) as the offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach at LSU before leaving for the same jobs — and the added title of head coach in waiting — at FSU. Taking over for Bobby Bowden following the 2009 season, Fisher has guided the Seminoles to a 75-17 record in six-plus seasons, with 2013 ending with a national championship.
Ed Orgeron is also considered a strong candidate along with Fisher, although the paper notes that the Tigers’ interim head coach’s “fate might hinge on his ability to lure a top offensive coordinator to Baton Rouge to join his staff.” North Carolina’s Larry Fedora, Oklahoma State’s Mike Gundy and Houston’s Tom Herman are mentioned as potential replacement as well, with Fedora’s agent reportedly already in contact with LSU.
According to the paper, Alleva hopes to have a new head coach in place by the end of this month, the beginning of next.