SEC Rival Finalizes Lucrative Contract for LSU Football Head Coaching Target

The Tigers remain in pursuit of a shot-caller this cycle, 'Plan B' in trouble as an SEC rival prepares extension.

Oct 18, 2025; Auburn, Alabama, USA; Missouri Tigers head coach Eli Drinkwitz and Auburn Tigers head coach Hugh Freeze speak before the game at Jordan-Hare Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Reed-Imagn Images | John Reed-Imagn Images

The LSU Tigers remain in search of a new head coach this month with the administration in Baton Rouge identifying the program's top target.

Athletics director Verge Ausberry has pieced together his search committee with the group spearheading the push to find the next shot-caller of the program in the Bayou State:

• Scott Ballard: Chairman of the board
• John Carmouche: Chairman of athletics
• Ben Bordelon: Ex-LSU football player and CEO of Bollinger Shipyards
• E.J. Kleeper: CEO of Our Lady of the Lake
• Verge Ausberry: Athletic Director

LSU President Wade Rousse has also been added to the coaching search committee after being elected this month.

It's clear Ole Miss head coach Lane Kiffin is the top target for the LSU Tigers with the program battling Florida as the SEC schools look to lure the Rebels shot-caller out of Oxford.

Nov 15, 2025; Oxford, Mississippi, USA; Mississippi Rebels head coach Lane Kiffin reacts to a play against the Florida Gators during the first half at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images | Petre Thomas-Imagn Images

But there are other options - or "Plan B" names to keep tabs on - in the coaching search for LSU.

Missouri Tigers head coach Eli Drinkwitz is a name that has emerged as a hot commodity on the coaching carousel with the LSU Tigers, Florida Gators, and Penn State Nittany Lions reportedly intrigued.

"Drinkwitz is going to be viewed by some as a Kiffin backup given that he’s an offensive mind at another SEC school, but that would be selling the job he’s done with the other Tigers short," Sports Illustrated wrote.

"He’s not only built the program up into a quality Top 25 contender but has been extremely ahead of the curve on NIL, the transfer portal and how to develop quarterbacks. He also is much different from Kelly both inside and outside the football building which could resonate well."

Oct 11, 2025; Columbia, Missouri, USA; Missouri Tigers head coach Eli Drinkwitz reacts during the first quarter against the Alabama Crimson Tide at Faurot Field at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Reese Strickland-Imagn Images | Reese Strickland-Imagn Images

But Drinkwitz is now off the board with the Missouri Tigers finalizing a lucrative contract extension for the sought-after head coach.

Missouri coach Eliah Drinkwitz has agreed to a new contract with the school, he announced. Per ESPN sources, there’s an increase in salary for Drinkwitz to an average of more than $10.7 million over the deal and an increased commitment to staff and salary pool. pic.twitter.com/tkCPeOwKxx

— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) November 27, 2025

Now, as the LSU Tigers go "all-in" on Lane Kiffin, it remains imperative the program locks him down with "Plan B" coming off of the board after inking a new lucrative deal to remain with Missouri.

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No. 1 Wide Receiver in Louisiana, LSU Football Commit Remains Locked in With Tigers

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