The LSU coaching search may be nearing its end, with Florida State's Jimbo Fisher reportedly "aggressively" pursued by the Tigers. According to CBS Sports, the Tigers could finalize an agreement by this weekend, after LSU's regular-season finale against Texas A&M Thursday night.
There's been plenty of chatter around the head coaching gig, with LSU "optimistic" they can land Fisher.
There could, however, be a roadblock in the Tigers inking their successor to Les Miles — money. Per Louisiana journalist Glenn Guilbeau:
LSU, through the TAF (Tiger Athletic Foundation) and major donors, is prepared to pay Fisher $6 million or more as he makes $5.2 million at Florida State as well as pay his $5 million buyout to Florida State, but there are other demands being bantered about, such as a lucrative housing allowance as there is no state income tax in Florida as there is in Louisiana.
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"Everyone wants Jimbo," a TAF member said. "I just hope Jimmy Sexton doesn't price us out of it."
According to The Advocate., Orgeron will meet with athletic director Joe Alleva after the team's Texas A&M contest to lay out a long-term plan with a proven offensive coordinator. The report also specifically notes Orgeron's connection to Alabama offensive coordinator Lane Kiffin.
A report previously listed Florida State's Jimbo Fisher as a candidate for the LSU gig, detailing Fisher was Alleva's "guy" and NOLA.com's James Smith noted "there seems to be some type of discussion behind the scenes" between the two sides.
This was detailed after Fisher noted he loves being at Florida State and isn't interested in chatting about open vacancies.
"I'm not going to talk about any jobs," Fisher said, via Orlando Sentinel. "I love being at Florida State. I love being here, and I'm just getting ready for Syracuse.
"That's the last thing I'm going to say that. No offense to anybody or anything else. I love being here."
LSU is shifting its focus with whatever new hire the Tigers go after, heading in a more offensively-minded direction.
A prior report noted whoever LSU hires needs to be able to develop at the quarterback position and recruit offensive talent. Fisher has a proven background in that area, and if previous reports are accurate, it's difficult to imagine this one doesn't get done despite his insistence that he's happy at FSU.
