Jimbo Fisher to LSU rumors growing
By John Buhler
Jimbo Fisher’s name continues to gain steam as a head coaching replacement of LSU’s Les Miles should the Mad Hatter not be able to stay in Baton Rouge.
The job security of LSU Tigers head coach Les Miles is in question after his program’s third consecutive SEC loss. Since being No. 2 in the country, the Tigers have lost three straight to Alabama, Arkansas, and now Ole Miss. Losing to three major rivals of the program does not bode well for Miles’ ability to stick at LSU. One name continues to circulate about a potential replacement should it come to that: Florida State Seminoles head coach Jimbo Fisher.
Like Miles, Fisher has already won a National Championship at his Power 5 school and may look to bring his brand of football to the SEC if these rumors end up becoming fact. AL.com reported that Miles’ future in Baton Rouge has no bearing on how his Tigers do at home against Texas A&M on Saturday.
Nola.com’s James Smith also reported that there is money available to buyout Les Miles’ contract, should the LSU program want to go in a different direction at head coach. Some top boosters of the LSU Tigers have expressed their interest in the athletic department pursuing Jimbo Fisher, trying to get him leave Tallahassee for Baton Rouge.
Both Miles and Fisher have a tendency to grab headlines not only for their football teams’ normally strong performances, but also their interesting interviews and press conferences. Winning is a cure-all and perhaps the LSU Tigers have not done enough of it recently for the University to put up with some of Les Miles’ antics.
While going after Jimbo Fisher would seem like a bold, but promising venture, there isn’t certainty that Miles’ time is over at LSU or if Fisher even wants to leave Florida State. Though LSU has a distinct recruiting advantage that Florida State doesn’t have in being the lone Power 5 school in Louisiana, it’s increasingly important to win the conference to have a shot at the College Football Playoff. Outside of Clemson, Fisher would have an easier time winning the ACC Atlantic than the SEC West. Keep an eye on this potential blockbuster coaching exchange in Baton Rouge.