An already crazy college football coaching cycle kicked up a level to insanity Sunday evening as LSU made the jaw-dropping decision to fire Brian Kelly after a 5-3 start to 2025, triggering a $50-plus million buyout in the process.

Kelly wasn't unsuccessful in Baton Rouge. He finished his tenure at 34-14 overall. But he never made the playoff or came close to winning a SEC championship.

Expectations will be incredibly high for whoever succeeds Kelly. LSU will be the best job available this cycle, and for good reason: The three coaches before Kelly won national championships. These are a few candidates that make sense in Baton Rouge after talking with industry sources.

Top candidates

Lane Kiffin, HC, Ole Miss

Already at the center of one blueblood coaching search, Kiffin could find

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