The college football season hasn't even reached it's halfway point, but the coaching carousel has already started with LSU deciding to fire Les Miles on Sunday. There are several other top jobs that are rumored to be potentially looking for a new head coach at the end of the season, and some hot candidates (like Houston's Tom Herman) who may leave for greener pastures. To help you separate fact from fiction, here are the latest college football coaching news and rumors:
Jimbo Fisher is LSU's top target
Ed Orgeron has taken over as interim head coach for the Tigers after Miles' firing, but LSU has already identified who they want to take over on a permanent basis - Florida State's Jimbo Fisher.
According to ESPN's Todd McShay, Fisher is LSU's top choice, ahead of a small group of other names. Fisher served as the offensive coordinator at LSU under both Nick Saban and Miles, giving him significant ties to the program. In fact, the two sides had reportedly engaged in contract negotiations last year when it looked like Miles was going to get fired after the 2015 season.
Fisher did his best to squash the rumors on Wednesday, saying he plans to be at Florida State "for a long time" and that he isn't talking to LSU. However, that doesn't mean he's not interested.
Clay Helton on hot heat?
USC's Clay Helton is in the first year of a five-year deal he signed after having the interim tag removed last year, but many think he has already found his way to the hot seat. The Trojans are just 1-5 since he became the permanent head coach, including 1-3 last year, and there are rumors that he has already lost control of the program and several players are preparing to transfer.
USC is Herman's top choice?
If USC doesn't turn their season around soon, Helton could very well be on his way out - particularly with Herman ripe for the picking. Herman has seen astronomical success in his year and half as the head coach at Houston, making him the hottest coaching candidate for all the top jobs. He is in that second group behind Fisher at LSU and will be a top candidate for every opening.
This is where USC may feel pressure to fire Helton. Herman grew up in Southern California, making an obvious connection to the Trojans. He is expected to leave the Cougars if the Big 12 doesn't expand, meaning USC could miss out on him if they hand onto Helton.
Is Brian Kelly on the hot seat?
The Notre Dame Fighting Irish have gotten off to a disastrous start this season, going just 1-3. Their dreadful play culminated with a home loss to Duke on Saturday, and defensive coordinator Brian VanGroder was fired shortly thereafter. Many blame the defense for that record, but there are also rumors that it has put head coach Brian Kelly on the hot seat.
Now, it seems crazy for Kelly's job to be in jeopardy. He has brought the Irish back to national relevancy, taken them to a national championship game and had them just a few seconds away from a playoff berth last season. However, this season is close to being a disaster, and if the struggles continue (what if they miss a bowl game?), those rumors will become more and more real.
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