This whole process has been a wild ride. Coach after coach coming off the board with James Franklin and Mel Tucker getting long-term deals. Luke Fickell and Dave Aranda are rumored to be next on the list to get extensions. Billy Napier and Lincoln Riley took new jobs in the last 24 hours. What could possibly be next for LSU?
If you believe they whiffed on Lincoln Riley, which could be the case, then it would be back to the drawing board. If not, they just move on down the list. One name that should be on that next tier of names would be Oregon’s Mario Cristobal.
Let’s take a look at his coaching profile:
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Mario Cristobal’s Profile
Experience
- Oregon head coach (2018-current)
- Oregon Co-OC/OL coach (2017)
- Alabama AHC/OL/RC (2013-16)
- FIU head coach (2007-12)
- Miami (FL) OL coach (2006)
- Miami (FL) TE coach (2004-05)
- Rutgers OL coach (2003)
- Rutgers TE/OT coach (2001-02)
- Miami (FL) GA (1998-2000)
Head Coach Record ( Overall)
- 2017: 0-1 *interim
- 2018: 9-4 (5-4)
- 2019: 12-2 (8-1)
- 2020: 4-3 (3-2)
- 2021: 10-2 (7-2)
Cristobal has a history in the SEC and the south from his time in Miami and Alabama. Even at Oregon, he recruited in the area. In his 2022 class, Cristobal has commitments from four players in Texas, two in Alabama. In his 2021 class, he dipped into Texas and Mississippi. He already has those relationships and could have an even bigger impact at LSU in those areas.
His calling card is on the offensive side of the ball, specifically the offensive line. With his recruiting prowess and work with the offensive line, it would pay dividends for LSU. Their offensive line really struggled this year with injuries, lack of depth, and just bad play at times. If the Tigers want to get back to dominating the trenches, Cristobal should get a serious look. He is coaching in the Pac-12 Championship game. Scott Woodward should have his agent on speed dial for immediately following the game.
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