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After a shaky start to the season, LSU Tigers head coach Les Miles could be on his way out of Baton Rouge.
While there’s no doubt that Les Miles has quite the resume while head coach at LSU (two-time SEC Champion, one time National Champion), it looks like his time in Baton Rouge is just about up.
Last season, the LSU Tigers won their first seven games before dropping three straight. Rumors were abound that Les Miles’ contract buyout was inevitable. But the Tigers would bounce back, defeating the Texas A&M Aggies in their final SEC game 19-7.
Miles contract expires at the end of the 2019 season. If LSU does fire head coach Les Miles at the end of this season, here are his five possible replacements.
5. Lincoln Riley, Offensive Coordinator, Oklahoma Sooners
Sep 10, 2016; Norman, OK, USA; Oklahoma Sooners offensive coordinator Lincoln Riley speaks to his players prior to action against the Louisiana Monroe Warhawks at Gaylord Family – Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports
Lincoln Riley is a 33-year-old offensive coordinator who got his start as a receivers coach at Texas Tech in 2007. After his departure from Texas Tech in 2009, Riley became the offensive coordinator of the East Carolina Pirates from 2010 to 2013.
The Pirates offense led the American Athletic Conference in total offense and yards per play in Riley’s final season as offensive coordinator. Riley held the position for five seasons.
The Sooners hired Riley as the offensive coordinator on January 12, 2015. In his first season as OC, the Oklahoma Sooners offense ranked 7th nationally on their way to a College Football Playoff bid. Things seem to be evolving in Norman this season, with Riley looking for a change of scenery, he could be LSU’s guy.
Riley is known for his unique offensive approaches and is a valuable asset. As Les Miles still struggles to find a viable quarterback to complement running back Leonard Fournette, Riley could be the answer for LSU’s recent offensive woes.
4. Pete Kwiatkowski, Defensive Coordinator, Washington
Pete Kwiatkowski has served as the Washington Huskies defensive coordinator since 2013. He has quietly coached the top defense in the Pac-12 the past three seasons.
This past season, the Huskies’ defense led the Pac-12 in scoring defense (18.8) and total defense (351.8). They only allowed 125.3 rushing yards per game as a team.
In 2013, he coached three first team All-Americans on the Washington defense. The defense finished second in the nation in sacks, fifth in fumble recoveries, and led the FBS with seven defensive touchdowns.
This season, the Huskies are enjoying a top 10 AP Poll ranking and looking to do more, especially with their highly rated defense. Their 10 points allowed per game is sixth in the nation.
The LSU Tigers are in need of a proven defensive leader, and Pete Kwiatkowski is ready and waiting. He has already spent 16 seasons on the Boise State coaching staff as well with Chris Petersen, so it’s not like he doesn’t have any experience.
Apr 16, 2016; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide defensive coordinator Jeremy Pruitt during the annual A-day game at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports
3. Jeremy Pruitt, Defensive Coordinator, Alabama
Jeremy Pruitt is Alabama’s defensive coordinator, but if the Crimson Tide defense continues to play like it has been, he’ll be a head coach soon.
Pruitt was hired this past offseason to be defensive coordinator after serving at Georgia in the same position. He’s a familiar face to a lot of the SEC coaches as he’s been around since 1997.
In 2011 as Alabama defensive backs coach, Pruitt’s secondary led the nation in pass defense (111.5 yards per game) and pass defense efficiency (83.7 yards per game) en route to a national title.
In 2013, Pruitt served as Florida State’s defensive coordinator. There, Pruitt won his third national championship as a coach. His defense was 1st in nation in scoring defense (10.7), third in total defense (248.2 yards per game), and first in interceptions (26).
At Georgia, Pruitt’s defensive units ranked eighth and 17th in total defense in his two seasons as defensive coordinator.
Pruitt has certainly been around a few programs and knows how to win. His knack to do both certainly make him a good candidate to replace Les Miles as head coach at LSU.
Nov 7, 2015; Clemson, SC, USA; Clemson Tigers defensive coordinator Brent Venables talks with Tigers cornerback Mackensie Alexander (2) prior to the game against the Florida State Seminoles at Clemson Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joshua S. Kelly-USA TODAY Sports
2. Brent Venables, Defensive Coordinator, Clemson
Clemson Tigers’ defensive coordinator Brent Venables is due for a head coaching job very soon. He has over 20 years of assistant coaching experience.
Venables was named one of the top 10 recruiters in the ACC in 2015. He was also one of five finalists for the nation’s top assistant coach award (Frank Broyles Award).
Brent Venables is well known on the recruiting trail. Venables received national recruiter of the year by Rivals last season. The Clemson Tigers climb to prominence is largely due to the behind-the-scenes efforts of Brent Venables.
His 2015 defense was fourth in sacks per game (3.2) and fifth in tackles for loss per game (8.4) on its way to an undefeated regular season. In 2014, the Clemson Tigers defense led the nation in total defense (260.8), first downs allowed (185), and tackles for loss (131).
All of these factors could be very meaningful if Les Miles is dismissed this offseason by the LSU Tigers. Brent Venables won’t be an assistant coach for much longer.
Sep 15, 2016; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Houston Cougars head coach Tom Herman answers questions during a post game interview after defeating the Cincinnati Bearcats at Nippert Stadium. Houston won 40-16. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports
1. Tom Herman, Head Coach, Houston
Tom Herman is one of the most wanted coaches by the Power 5 conferences. Rumors were rampant last offseason that Herman would leave before Houston administrators approved a $3 million pay raise.
The Houston Cougars are one of the hottest FBS teams in the country. They are the 6th ranked team in the AP Poll. In his first season as head coach, Herman joined Chris Petersen, George Woodruff, and Walter Camp as the fourth head coach to begin his coaching career with 13 wins.
Herman has a lot to do with Houston’s success. He was the American Athletic Conference Coach of the Year last season. He led the Cougars to a 13-1 record last season, upsetting the Florida State Seminoles 38-24 in the Peach Bowl.
His quarterback, Greg Ward Jr., is an electrifying player who has a match up with Louisville quarterback Lamar Jackson on the horizon on November 17. All eyes will be on that matchup, pitting two up and coming programs square in the national spotlight.
As the resume of wins gets greater for Herman, it will be even harder for the Houston Cougars to retain him.
LSU checkbook is a lot bigger than Houston’s. If they want Tom Herman, they could definitely get him.
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