Tulane's Jon Sumrall Leads LSU Coaching Search After Brian Kelly Dismissal

LSU fired head coach Brian Kelly following a disappointing 5-3 start to the 2025 season, triggering a highly competitive coaching search. Tulane's Jon Sumrall has emerged as the early favorite to replace Kelly, boasting a strong 38-10 record and SEC ties, while Buffalo Bills offensive coordinator Joe Brady, a former LSU assistant, is also considered a leading candidate. Other notable names include Ole Miss coach Lane Kiffin, Penn State's James Franklin, Missouri's Eli Drinkwitz, and LSU alum Kelvin Sheppard, now the Detroit Lions' defensive coordinator, who may receive interest from LSU due to his past association with the program. LSU's athletic director Scott Woodward is expected to conduct a national search, with some speculation about unconventional choices reflecting his known approach. The Tigers have named Frank Wilson as interim head coach for the remainder of the season amid this transition. The coaching carousel this year is crowded, with LSU competing against other top programs for elite coaching talent.