Nick Saban Weighs In: Is LSU America’s Top Coaching Job?
Baton Rouge, Louisiana, has become a focal point in the discussion of college football coaching positions, particularly regarding Louisiana State University (LSU). Andy Staples of On3 recently placed LSU at the top of the list of open head coaching jobs. This led to a broader question: Is LSU the best coaching position in the nation?
Insights from Football Legends
Jacob Hester, a former LSU All-SEC running back and 2007 national champion, asserted that LSU ranks among the top three coaching jobs in college football. He emphasized that anyone who disagrees is not being truthful.
Former LSU head coach and current Alabama coach Nick Saban echoed similar sentiments. He noted that the perception of what makes a coaching job desirable has shifted. Traditionally, aspects like facilities, fan support, and recruiting bases defined a great job. However, he stated that financial resources for building a competitive roster now take precedence.
LSU’s Coaching Legacy
Saban arrived at LSU in 2000 during a time when the team had struggled, experiencing losing seasons in nine of the previous eleven years. Before Saban’s tenure, the LSU job did not garner much respect. Under his leadership, LSU soon emerged as a national powerhouse, winning three championships with three different coaches: Saban in 2003, Les Miles in 2007, and Ed Orgeron in 2019.
- 2003: National championship won by Nick Saban.
- 2007: National championship won by Les Miles.
- 2019: National championship won by Ed Orgeron.
Hester emphasized that success at LSU stems from its unique position in college football. The school has a monopoly on talent in Louisiana, which is essential for building championship-winning teams.
Recruiting Landscape
Louisiana is known for producing top NFL talent. In 2024, the state had the second-highest number of NFL players per capita, with one player for every 80,306 residents. This fertile recruiting ground is complemented by a strong commitment to high school football.
Coaches highlighted that, unlike states with multiple major football programs, LSU faces minimal in-state competition. Many of the best players have deep-rooted connections to the university, making it easier for coaches to secure top talent.
Challenges for Future Coaches
The expectations at LSU are extraordinarily high. Recent coaching changes have illustrated the urgent need for results. Brian Kelly, who won nine or more games in each of his three full seasons, was dismissed following a disappointing end to the season. The LSU coaching job has become increasingly competitive, further intensified by discussions around other coaching opportunities like those at Florida and Ole Miss.
- Brian Kelly fired after a 4-6 record in his last 10 SEC games.
- High expectations signify that coaches must balance performance with recruitment.
Nick Saban underscored that successful coaching now relies heavily on financial resources. The contemporary landscape requires coaches to not only have good facilities but also to possess the financial backing to attract and retain high-caliber athletes.
Conclusion
As the college football landscape continues to evolve, LSU remains a pivotal location for coaching discussions. With its outstanding talent pool, strong fan support, and rich football culture, LSU is positioned as potentially the leading coaching job in America. However, the financial demands and expectations place considerable pressure on those who take on this challenging yet rewarding role.
