Brian Kelly replacements 2024: 5 potential candidates explored if LSU HC gets fired

LSU is a demanding college football job because of nearly unparalleled expectations. Brian Kelly won double-digit games in his first two seasons at LSU. In his third season, the Tigers opened 6-1 and were in the College Football Playoff picture. But, Kelly could be in trouble after three straight losses (and a massive recruiting loss).

Given the massive expectations at LSU, who could be qualified to replace Kelly? The Tiger job will carry expectations of consistent playoff appearances and the occasional national title. Here are a handful of possible replacements for Kelly who demonstrated the ability to reach those levels or the potential to do so.

Top 5 potential replacements at LSU for Brian Kelly

Oregon coach Dan Lanning could be atop LSU's list of potential coaches. (Photo Credit: IMAGN)

5. Nick Saban, former Alabama (and LSU) coach

This is the No. 5 pick for the obvious reasons. Saban seems happily retired at ESPN. But he's on the list because he is probably the best college football coach in history and has a demonstrated record of excellence at LSU. If Kelly gets fired, LSU may open its search by making Saban turn them down.

4. Deion Sanders, Colorado

As much as X and Os and innovation, football coaching in 2024 is about moving the pop culture needle. Although a talented coach, Kelly has always felt a bit phony in the department, back to cringy dancing videos with recruits and audibly affecting a southern accent. Deion, a coach with 12 FBS career victories, moves the needle. That could matter more than people think.

3. Lane Kiffin, Ole Miss

Kiffin has Ole Miss in contention for the College Football Playoff and raises the question of what he'd do at a school with deeper pockets. Ole Miss tends to rank toward the bottom of the Southeastern Conference in football expenditures, and Kiffin has made the program more relevant than it had been since the racial integration of the SEC. LSU could be a logical next-stopping place.

2. Ryan Day, Ohio State

Could Day, who has exceeded in keeping Ohio State near but not at the top of college football, end up at LSU? Although Day is 65-9 at Ohio State, he's not secure in that job. But one school's trash could be another's treasure. Day is an excellent recruiter who hires talented assistant coaches and puts an exciting product on the field. It's not a terrible idea for LSU.

1. Dan Lanning, Oregon

If LSU wants a coach, they probably start by picking up the latest rankings and seeing who's on top. That's Lanning, who is 33-5 at Oregon and has the Ducks on top of college football. Lanning has coached in the SEC, coaching under Kirby Smart at Georgia. He's young, smart, talented and winning. LSU could outbid Oregon for perhaps the sport's hottest coach.

Which coach do you hope LSU picks if they move away from Kelly? Share your thoughts below in our comments section!