How LSU football head coaching targets performed in Week 12 games

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LSU football is searching for a new head coach after firing Brian Kelly in October. The Tigers are expected to swing big and hire a sitting Power Four head coach. That means most of LSU’s top candidates are in the midst of coaching their own teams right now, several of which are contending for the College Football Playoff.

LSU AD Verge Ausberry and the administration have begun vetting prospects and are sure to have a close eye on how the coaches finish their respective seasons. That doesn’t mean LSU will base its decision on what happens over the next three weeks, but a strong finish to the season makes it much easier for LSU to sell the hire to donors and fans.

Each week, we’ve been checking on how LSU’s priority targets are doing. We keep it rolling today. Here’s how every LSU football coaching candidate fared in Week 12.

Lane Kiffin — Ole Miss HC

Florida gave Ole Miss all the Rebels could handle, but Lane Kiffin’s squad pulled it out late. At 10-1, Ole Miss is practically a lock for the College Football Playoff. Kiffin remains the hottest name in the coaching cycle, but programs could have to wait for Kiffin to make a choice if he decides to be all-in on Ole Miss’s playoff run. The 12-team playoff adds an expanded wrinkle to silly season.

Kiffin is the biggest domino this year. If he takes his time with his decision, it could hold up the entire carousel.

Eli Drinkwitz — Missouri HC

Missouri got back in the win column after dropping back-to-back games with a 49-27 win over Mississippi State. Missouri running back Ahmad Hardy ran for 300 yards in the win.

At 7-3, Missouri is out of the playoff race, but Drinkwitz should still finish with an admirable record, given their tough schedule and QB room decimated by injuries.

Brent Key — Georgia Tech HC

Georgia Tech is 9-1, but the Yellow Jackets always find a way to make it interesting. Tech escaped Boston College with a 36-34 win. Georgia Tech QB Haynes King threw for 371 yards and a score. With one loss, Georgia Tech’s playoff hopes remain alive, but the Jackets may need a win over Georgia in the final game of the regular season.

Jon Sumrall — Tulane HC

Tulane beat FAU 35-24 to move to 8-2 on the year and 5-1 in conference play. With two weeks left in the regular season, Tulane is in the thick of the playoff hunt. Sumrall’s squad ranks No. 2 in the AAC — if they win the conference, they’re probably getting the at-large bid.

Kenny Dillingham — Arizona State HC

Arizona State used a 22-point second quarter and late field goal in the fourth to beat West Virginia 25-23. Dillingham’s squad moves to 7-3 on the year and 5-2 in the Big 12. It was another win for Arizona State with backup QB Jeff Sims.

Arizona State won’t make the playoff again, but Dillingham has done some impressive work this year.

Jeff Brohm — Louisville HC

Louisville watched its ACC title hopes slip away, falling 20-19 vs. Clemson on Friday night. Clemson did its best to give this game away, failing to score at the goal line and later botching the snap on a punt, but Brohm’s squad couldn’t take advantage. Louisville gave Clemson 98 yards of penalties, too.

Alex Golesh — USF HC

South Florida entered the week ranked, but fell 41-38 at Navy. It was USF’s third loss of the year and likely knocks the Bulls out of contention for the G6 playoff spot. Golesh probably isn’t a candidate at LSU, but was worth keeping an eye on as a sleeper if the search got weird. If USF limps to the finish line, that could affect Golesh’s candidacy for major jobs.

Notes on other significant names

Lions’ DC Kelvin Sheppard played linebacker at LSU and former players have advocated for Sheppard to get the job. The Lions fell to the Eagles on Sunday night, but the defense wasn’t to blame. Sheppard’s unit held Philly to 16 points.
Much like USF, Memphis watched its College Football Playoff hopes slip away with a 31-27 loss at ECU. Ryan Silverfield probably wasn’t getting much attention from LSU, and the loss won’t help his case with major programs.
Oregon OC Will Stein will get head coaching looks this cycle. The Ducks’ offense rolled vs. Minnesota on Friday night.
James Franklin could be a sleeper candidate at LSU if things get weird. He was fired by Penn State earlier this year, so there are no results to report from the weekend.
Clark Lea and Vanderbilt were on bye in Week 12.

This article originally appeared on LSU Wire: How LSU football head coaching targets performed this week

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