Alabama Crimson Tide

Odds on Alabama OC Lane Kiffin's Next Football Coaching Job

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

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Where will Lane Kiffin end up next season? So many choices – but Bama Hammer is here to handicap the options for the Alabama football offensive coordinator.

With the news the past week that Alabama football offensive coordinator Lane Kiffin is being courted both by new LSU coach Ed Orgeron to be the Tigers’ offensive coordinator, Houston to replace Tom Herman and perhaps Oregon to replace Mark Helfrich, Bama Hammer decided to handicap the field of candidates for Kiffin’s next job.

Remember, these are for entertainment purposes only – though we feel confident there is some outlet somewhere overseas who might take this action.

1000/1: New head coach at Alabama

Nov 26, 2016; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide head coach Nick Saban walks off the field following the Tides 30-12 victory against the Auburn Tigers at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports

What must happen: Nick Saban shocks the world and decides to hang it up between another SEC Championship Game triumph and a sixth national championship. Likely a sudden health scare, Saban retires at the absolute pinnacle of the game and hands the reins to Lane Kiffin in an emotional press conference.

Why it will happen: Alabama AD Bill Battle bumps his head in the middle of the night and somehow equates Kiffin’s stunning head-coaching success to date as a sign he is capable of coaching the most dominant program in college football history.

Why it won’t happen: Unless Saban’s health somehow deteriorates overnight, and Dabo Swinney’s momma doesn’t call, there isn’t a chance this happens. Then again, as Lloyd Christmas once opined, “so you’re saying there’s a chance!”

Nov 26, 2016; Corvallis, OR, USA; Oregon Ducks head coach Mark Helfrich walks onto the field before the game against the Oregon State Beavers at Reser Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Olmos-USA TODAY Sports

50/1: New head coach at Oregon

What must happen: Mark Helfrich has been shown the door in Eugene after four lackluster seasons, opening up a primo West Coast job for the taking. For Lane Kiffin to be the man here, both Chip Kelly and a host of mid-major coaches need to bow out of consideration, and Phil Knight needs his Nike millions to get fully behind a Kiffin choice.

Why it will happen: Kiffin is Mr. West Coast, and likely would fit in great as a Duck. Oregon loves to pitch it all over Autzen Stadium, so his offense travels well to the Pacific Northwest.

Why it won’t happen: The odds-on favorite for this one is Western Michigan coach P.J. Fleck, who has been rowing the Broncos’ boat to one of the two undefeated FBS seasons. If Fleck says no, look for either Kelly or Oklahoma offensive coordinator Lincoln Riley to step  up before Kiffin gets serious consideration.

Nov 24, 2016; College Station, TX, USA; LSU Tigers head coach Ed Orgeron watches from the sideline during the second quarter against the Texas A&M Aggies at Kyle Field. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

40/1: New offensive coordinator at LSU

What must happen: LSU has gone full-coondog with the hiring of native son Ed Orgeron to replace Les Miles. So why not break the bank for the hottest offensive coodinator in college football? And breaking the bank is what it would take, as Lane Kiffin’s $1.4 million salary would most certainly need to be increased to make Baton Rouge more palatable.

Why it will happen: Besides a revelation that Kiffin loves the taste of corndogs? And the aforementioned Brinks truck backing up to Kasa Kiffin? Hard to see how this is a good deal for Kiffin, really.

Why it won’t happen: Working for a guy who used to work for you? Working for Crazy Eddie O? Working for a wacko AD who hired Crazy Eddie O? Trying to decode Nick Saban’s defense once a year? Purple isn’t his color? Doesn’t really like gumbo? We could go on and on here …

Oct 15, 2016; Knoxville, TN, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide head coach Nick Saban talks with offensive coordinator Lane Kiffin along the sidelines during the second quarter at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports

25/1: Remains offensive coordinator at Alabama

What must happen: Nick Saban becomes the most attractive boss in America, convincing Lane Kiffin that Jalen Hurts needs more seasoning and the quest for a third consecutive national championship is just too darn irresistable.

Why it will happen: Because pragmatism sometimes wins out over ego? As Kiffin has nudged into his 40s (now 41), perhaps his ego has matured to the point where the sound of his own recorded voice isn’t as important as a true legacy – one he can cement by hanging around Tuscaloosa a couple more years.

Why it won’t happen: Too many good jobs out there already, with more to come. Three years is a good amount of time to coach under Nick Saban, and Kiffin’s stock likely can’t get much higher without a move. Plus, you know, Joey Freshwater …

Dec 2, 2016; Detroit, MI, USA; Western Michigan Broncos head coach P. J. Fleck holds up the championship trophy after defeating the Ohio Bobcats for the Mac Championship 29-23 at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

20/1: TBA Mid-Major head coaching job

What must happen: Just about anything, really, as the yearly coaching carousel seems to affect this level the most. Should P.J. Fleck go to Oregon, for example, a SWEET job is suddenly open at Western Michigan.

Why it will happen: Simply put, it makes the most sense for Lane Kiffin’s next job to be a mid-major HC gig. Hiring Kiffin gives any program maximum buzz, and his football sense has never really been questioned.

Why it won’t happen: Oh, the really smart money is on that it will. But see below where we fully expect it TO happen.

Nov 25, 2016; Memphis, TN, USA; Houston Cougars head coach Tom Herman during the second half against the Memphis Tigers at Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium. Memphis Tigers defeated Houston Cougars 48-44. Mandatory Credit: Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports

8/1: New head coach at Houston

What must happen: Tom Herman has already moved on to Texas, and Houston reportedly has scheduled a sit-down with Kiffin after Saturday’s SEC Championship Game. Lane Kiffin isn’t the only guy on the Cougars’ radar, as former LSU coach Les Miles is being courted.

Why it will happen: This is truly the most logical of current options for Kiffin. It is out of the SEC, so there isn’t any bad blood between Kiffin and the Alabama Nation. It is at a high-profile mid-major that is stocked with talent and in the most player-rich state in the country.

Why it won’t happen: Miles could decide that he likes the taste of the artificial turf at TDECU Stadium and undercut Kiffin for this job. Alabama could boost Kiffin’s current $1.4 million salary. Or any of Kiffin’s other options could come true.

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