The LSU football program is once again at the center of national attention. Following the firing of Brian Kelly, many have speculated what the next move will be.
LSU has contacted legendary former coach Nick Saban about returning to Baton Rouge, according to famed alumni Shaquille O’Neal.
In an exclusive interview with US Weekly, O’Neal said he’d “heard through the grapevine” that LSU had spoken with Saban about the position. “That’d be awesome if we can bring Nick back,” O’Neal said.
Saban led LSU to the 2003 national championship before departing for the NFL’s Miami Dolphins, and retiring from a legendary tenure at Alabama. His name being mentioned shows both LSU’s ambition and the uncertainty surrounding the program after Kelly’s dismissal.
Kelly was fired after a 49-25 loss to Texas A&M dropped the Tigers to 5-3, marking another disappointing season in Baton Rouge. LSU athletic director Scott Woodward parted ways shortly after amid political pressure from Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry, who announced Woodward would not oversee the next coaching hire.
Saban has previously downplayed the rumors, saying, “You’ve got all these external factors constantly changing. Some of the traditional jobs, like LSU, that people always looked at as one of the best."
“We’re just gonna sit and see who they choose,” O'Neal added. “I know it’ll definitely be a winner.”
LSU visits No. 4 Alabama on Saturday night (7:30 p.m. ET, ABC).
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