Bill Belichick—fresh off his NFL dynasty exit—is not in the mix for their head coaching gigs, with ADs Verge Ausberry (LSU) and John Cohen (Auburn) eyeing “top 4” targets to “reshape the future.” But this is classic carousel clickbait: Belichick was never a serious contender (his NCAA ties? Zilch beyond a wild October float for LSU), and the searches are distinct beasts. LSU’s post-Brian Kelly hunt (interim Frank Wilson steering a 7-4 ship) prioritizes offensive firepower; Auburn’s post-Hugh Freeze reset (interim DJ Durkin at 5-6) craves stability after a 15-19 flop. Drawing from CBS Sports hot boards, ESPN trackers, and AL.com scoops, here’s the real-time breakdown—no “bombshells,” just blue-chip bets.
The LSU Landscape: Interim Wilson Holds the Fort, But the Clock Ticks
Brian Kelly’s October 26 firing—after a 49-25 Texas A&M meltdown dropped the Tigers to 5-3—left LSU (now 7-4, 4-4 SEC) in Wilson’s steady hands for the final stretch, including Saturday’s road tilt at Oklahoma. The New Orleans native (two-time National Recruiter of the Year) has stabilized the squad: A gritty 23-22 Arkansas W followed a 20-9 Alabama L, with QB Garrett Nussmeier (2,500+ yds) slinging amid chaos. But Wilson’s no permanent fix—his 2-2 interim mark buys time, not a contract. AD Scott Woodward (with Ausberry assisting post-presidential waver) wants a proven SEC winner to chase that elusive title since Ed Orgeron’s 2019 glory.
Why No Belichick? A Newsweek “wild proposal” in late October hyped the 73-year-old Hoodie as a defensive savior, but insiders dismissed it: Zero college experience (his WSOP stints don’t count), NIL aversion, and a preference for UNC per rumors. LSU needs offense to match SEC arms like Heupel or DeBoer—not NFL X’s and O’s.
The “Top 4” Targets (Per CBS/Geaux247 Hot Board):
1. Lane Kiffin (Ole Miss): The air raid wizard tops every SEC list—11-1 Rebels in CFP contention, ties to Wilson (2009 Tennessee overlap). LSU’s prepping a $90M/$25M NIL bomb, but Kiffin’s Egg Bowl looms; a loss could sway him. Challenge: Daughter Landry’s Oxford roots.
2. Lincoln Riley (USC): 8-2 Trojans, playoff push vs. Oregon. His QB factory (Caleb Williams blueprint) fits LSU’s Nussmeier succession, but LA glamour vs. Bayou pressure? 50/50.
3. Eli Drinkwitz (Missouri): Back-to-back 10-win seasons, Cotton Bowl champ. SEC grinder with culture clout—LSU sees Mizzou’s turnaround as a blueprint. Odds: Rising fast.
4. Mike Elko (Texas A&M): 9-3 Aggies, but post-Weigman portal mess. Defensive mind with ACC roots; affordable if A&M stumbles.
Ausberry’s “shaping the future”? Expect a post-Oklahoma splash—Wilson’s pressers hint at “dream opportunity,” but the job’s a pressure cooker (13 ranked losses under Kelly).
Auburn’s Pivot: From Freeze Flop to Plains Rebuild
Hugh Freeze’s November 2 axe (after a 10-3 Kentucky dud) capped a 15-19 nightmare—$15.8M buyout be damned. Interim Durkin (ex-Maryland DC) has sparked offense (563 yds vs. Vandy), but at 5-6 (2-6 SEC), the Tigers limp to Iron Bowl vs. Alabama. AD Cohen’s “cold hard cash” pitch ($25M roster spend) targets sustainability over splash—echoing the blog’s “doesn’t need brilliance, needs sustainability.”
Belichick Out? Never in—Auburn insiders laughed off whispers; his age (73) and NFL-only resume clash with recruiting demands. Cohen’s confirmed: Focus on youth, not legends.
The “Four Coaches” Cohen’s Targeting (Per Montgomery Advertiser/AL.com Tracker):
1. Jon Sumrall (Tulane): Huntsville native, 38-11 in four years (23-4 at Troy, CFP bubble at Tulane). SEC roots, defensive edge—61% Kalshi odds, but Kiffin dominoes (Ole Miss backup?) and playoff run could snag. “Obvious fit,” per J.D. Pickell.
2. Lane Kiffin (Ole Miss): Echoes 2022 near-miss; explosive Rebs offense tempts, but Auburn’s “far from Kiffin drama” this cycle. If he spurns LSU/Florida…
3. Mike Norvell (FSU): Culture-builder (ACC title 2023), Malzahn ties via Dillingham. 7-4 Seminoles fight retention, but Plains passion matches Auburn’s “identity.”
4. Eliah Drinkwitz (Missouri): 27-6 last three years, dynamic SEC teams. Auburn eyes his reset magic—affordable, proven.
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