LSU Tops College Football’s 2025-26 Head Coach Search Amid Power 4 Overhaul

The 2025 college football coaching carousel is one of the most active and dramatic in recent memory, with major programs like LSU, Florida, Penn State, and UCLA searching for new head coaches. LSU stands out as the most coveted job due to its elite facilities, substantial athletic budget, and $26.5 million NIL war chest, combined with its SEC dominance and strong booster support. Lane Kiffin is a leading candidate for both Florida and LSU, but LSU's superior infrastructure may give it the edge. Penn State's coaching search is also high-profile, with candidates like Matt Rhule and Matt Campbell considered strong options, aiming to restore the program's playoff competitiveness. The coaching market has been reshaped by multiple firings, including LSU's dismissal of Brian Kelly and Penn State's firing of James Franklin, signaling a new era of high expectations and instability across Power 4 conferences. Rankings by ESPN and other outlets confirm LSU as the top coaching destination, followed by Penn State and Florida, with the cycle expected to remain dynamic as other programs may also open vacancies.