Both LSU Tigers Coordinators Viewed As Top HC Candidates Next Season

NCAAF College Football News, Photos, Stats, Scores, Schedule & Videos...

It didn't take long for new LSU Tigers head coach Lane Kiffin to secure one of the top coaching staffs in college football when he got to Baton Rouge, but he shouldn't expect to keep it very long, either.

Charlie Weis Jr., the offensive coordinator, has been with Kiffin for a long time. It was an easy decision for him, as he has been described as crucial by the head coach. Blake Baker, the defensive coordinator, was already coaching for the Tigers and was just retained, as that side of the ball was actually competent last year.

On3's Pete Nakos, an industry insider, listed both coordinators among the names that are likely to be head coaches by the end of the next cycle. Not only is it possible that Kiffin is looking for two new coordinators next season, but it would be a miracle or a sign of a bad year if it isn't.

Baker has been the closest one to actually already getting a head coaching gig. Many thought he was going to be hired away this past offseason, particularly by the Tulane Green Wave. For whatever reason, a suspected deal fell through and he came back to LSU.

A possible reason is just him betting on himself. While he could have gone to the Green Wave and been popular, he was a former player there; staying and continuing to be on this staff will open up bigger jobs quicker. If this season goes to plan, the Tigers should be in the College Football Playoff, and Baker is likely running a Power Five program. The same cannot be said for the Tulane gig.

As for Weis, it's only a matter of time until those rumors begin. He is still just 33 years old, very young to be a head coach, but it's hard to say anyone else would be more deserving of a shot. Coaching football is in his blood, working since he was a kid under his father with the Notre Dame Fighting Irish.

This will be the fourth stop that Weis and Kiffin make together. Weis has learned a ton from him as well, now being able to have been the mentee of two very successful coaches. Many say that Weis brings just as much to the table on the offensive side as the head coach these days, though Kiffin should be able to adapt once he finally gets poached away.

More at NCAAF College Football News, Photos, Stats, Scores, Schedule & Videos