Report: LSU nearing deal with Tom Herman to become next coach
LSU is reportedly nearing a deal with Houston head coach Tom Herman to become the Tigers' next head football coach, according to ESPN's Mark Schlabach. LSU elected not to comment on the search.
“There are a lot of unsubstantiated rumors about LSU's coaching search,” LSU announced. “We will not comment on this speculation and are currently focused on our game against Texas A&M. There is a process in place for the search, and we will take our time to make sure the best decision is made for the future of the program.”
The deal could be in place as early as Saturday, according to Schlabach.
Herman told ESPN on Friday ahead of Houston’s game against Memphis not to “believe anything you read” regarding his status.
Houston athletic director Hunter Yurachek said he has not been informed of the LSU hiring.
“I have not been informed by Tom or his agent that they are in conversations with LSU. We are in Memphis together, preparing for a game.”
Ed Orgeron has served as the interim head coach since Les Miles was fired after losing to Auburn in September. Orgeron was 4–2 before the Tigers faced Texas A&M on Thanksgiving.
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Herman is in his second year as head coach at Houston. He went 13–1 in his first season and has led the Cougars to a 9–2 year in 2016. He has ties to the Tigers as he is friends with defensive coordinator Dave Aranda, who also served as the linebackers coach at California Lutheran from 1996-99 where Herman played.
Herman previously served as the offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach at Ohio State from 2012-14. Before arriving in Columbus, he also served as an assistant at Iowa State and Rice.
Texas was thought to be strongly considering Herman to take over the Longhorns with the school having reportedly decided to fire Charlie Strong at the end of the regular season.
LSU is also reportedly considering Florida State's Jimbo Fisher for the job.
