Lane Kiffin missed out on the Houston job and he could miss out on the USF gig as well. If Kiffin does step in for a head coaching position, which he's reportedly in talks with FAU about, the Tigers have reportedly done research on three backup options, per USA Today:
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Among those likely to get a look for the LSU job are former Texas offensive coordinator Sterlin Gilbert, Pittsburgh offensive coordinator Matt Canada and former Oregon coach Mark Helfrich.
All three run creative systems, which is what new LSU coach Ed Orgeron wants to pair with Dave Aranda's defense.
Helfrich's experience should put him near the top of the list if Kiffin isn't an option. Oregon was No. 19 in the country in total offense this season under Helfrich.
The former head coach was the offensive coordinator under Chip Kelly's high-octane offense and has been instrumental in developing quarterbacks, including the likes of Marcus Mariota.
Canada's creatively simplistic helped knock off top-tier Clemson this season for the Tigers' lone loss.
Gilbert is an interesting option as his work with a young quarterback this season doesn't offer a ton of confidence in his ability to develop a young offense. Running back D'Onta Foreman ran for more than 2,000 yards, but how much would Gilbert's offense really separate LSU from what they've have in recent years?
Kiffin should remain the frontrunner for the gig if he doesn't land a head coaching job.
