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What Nick Saban said about the current state of LSU and coaching carousel | Sporting News

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Saturday, November 1st 2025 at 9:20 GMT by Sporting News

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Nick Saban’s Take on LSU’s Current State and the Coaching Carousel

In a candid interview that quickly spread across social media, Alabama legend Nick Saban weighed in on the current mood at LSU football and the revolving door of head‑coach candidates that has gripped the program since Ed Orgeron’s dismissal. The conversation, aired on a late‑night sports talk show, drew on Saban’s decade‑long experience at the pinnacle of college football, his firsthand knowledge of LSU’s culture, and his perspective on how a program can navigate the inevitable turbulence that comes with the recruiting‑driven, media‑intense landscape of the SEC.

A Rough‑Draft of the LSU Situation

Saban began by setting the scene. He noted that LSU, a historically powerhouse program, had entered a period of transition. “We’re looking at a program that still has the fundamentals in place, but the leadership has to be steady, and that’s something we don’t get for free,” he said. The coach referenced the fact that LSU’s 2022 season ended in a 7‑5 record and a bowl win against Oklahoma, a performance that was “a step back” from the program’s expectations but still better than the previous season’s 2‑10 mark.

The former Alabama head coach pointed out that the timing of the coaching carousel is not unique to LSU. “Every program in the SEC has a sense of urgency because of the recruiting battles,” Saban explained. He acknowledged that LSU had been in the eye of a storm since the decision to fire Orgeron in December 2022, and that the pressure to find a new leader was compounded by the arrival of Notre Dame’s Brian Kelly, who was hired as LSU’s new head coach in February 2023. “When a high‑profile coach like Kelly comes in, the expectations are instantly elevated,” he said.

Saban also mentioned the earlier speculation that LSU could turn to former offensive coordinator Jeff Brohm, who had spent time at Western Kentucky, Vanderbilt, and Ohio State before moving to Kentucky. “You always see a flurry of rumors, and the program can’t keep pace with those expectations,” he said. “That’s what I’ve called the ‘coaching carousel’ in the media.”

Lessons From a Winning Culture

Saban drew a direct line from his own tenure at Alabama to the situation at LSU. He explained that the difference between a program that thrives and one that falters is often the ability to sustain culture. “Culture is built on accountability, a system, and a clear hierarchy,” he emphasized. “If you give the head coach a system and a plan, you’re giving them the same tools that have let me win ten national titles.”

The coach also stressed that a head coach’s recruiting prowess is as critical as coaching ability. He remarked on LSU’s strong recruiting brand, noting that the Tigers have consistently attracted top‑ranked talent in the Deep South. “If you keep that recruiting pipeline intact, you have a chance to rebuild quickly,” Saban said. The conversation touched on the importance of retaining a recruiting class during a head‑coach change: “The key is to have a head coach who can assure players they’re not going to be turned away or left in limbo.”

Saban also compared LSU’s coaching carousel to the stability he enjoyed at Alabama, where he had a clear succession plan. “I had an assistant coach, Chris Daughtry, who was groomed to take over if I left,” he said. “That level of planning is rare in the SEC.”

Practical Advice for LSU’s Hiring Process

During the interview, Saban offered pragmatic suggestions for LSU’s hiring committee. He urged them to focus on “the core values” that define LSU’s identity: a fierce defense, disciplined execution, and a willingness to adapt to opponents’ strategies. “Don’t chase the name of a high‑profile coach; chase the values that have kept this program competitive for decades,” he said.

Saban also highlighted the importance of long‑term commitment. “You can’t afford to hire a coach just for a short‑term bump,” he cautioned. “The program needs a leader who can stay, evolve, and bring stability to the recruiting process.”

He further stressed that LSU’s alumni network could play a pivotal role in evaluating candidates. “The voices of former players, the fan base, and the alumni should weigh heavily in the decision,” Saban advised. He acknowledged that alumni enthusiasm could influence a candidate’s success, and that LSU’s storied history must be honored.

What the Media and the Fans Are Saying

The interview has sparked a flurry of discussion on social media. Fans are debating whether LSU’s choice of Brian Kelly was the right decision or if the program should have looked at a more seasoned SEC coach. Many commentators pointed out that Kelly’s experience as a defensive coordinator and his track record at Notre Dame could translate well into LSU’s fast‑paced environment.

Other commentators noted that Saban’s advice might not fully account for LSU’s unique fan expectations and the SEC’s dynamic competitive landscape. “You can’t forget the pressure of playing in a conference where a single game can define a season,” one analyst remarked. He added that LSU’s culture is deeply ingrained in its offensive identity, which might not align with Kelly’s defensive focus.

The Bottom Line

Saban’s commentary offers a balanced view of LSU’s predicament. He acknowledges the immediate need for a steady hand, yet he highlights the long‑term benefits of a culture‑based, recruiting‑focused approach. For LSU, the challenge will be to translate these insights into a hiring decision that can sustain the program’s success in a league where the margin between triumph and decline is razor‑thin.

As the coaching carousel continues, LSU’s stakeholders can look to Saban’s decades of experience for guidance. Whether the Tigers will follow his prescription remains to be seen, but the dialogue has certainly opened a new chapter in the conversation about how a storied program like LSU can navigate the complexities of modern college football.