What happens if LSU Football misses on Billy Napier?

LSU football‘s search for a new head coach will likely be over by this time next week.

But who will the hire be?

For now, it appears that Tigers athletic director Scott Woodward remains focused on “swinging big” for a name like Jimbo Fisher or Lincoln Riley.

But what happens if Fisher and Riley decide to stay put?

And what if Billy Napier, the Louisiana head coach that appears to be LSU’s “fallback option”, ends up at Florida?

The Tigers could be in a tough situation if that’s how this coaching search transpires.

What does LSU football do if they miss on Billy Napier?

If LSU misses on Fisher, Riley, and Napier, this search could go south quickly.

Mel Tucker just agreed to a mega extension at Michigan State. Baylor’s Dave Aranda looks to be locked in at Baylor (and also nearing an extension). Luke Fickell also appears to be staying at Cincinnati.

Who’s next on the list in that scenario?

At that point, it feels like Alabama offensive coordinator Bill O’Brien could vault to the top of the list. Or maybe the Tigers can convince Carolina Panthers head coach Matt Rhule to return to collegiate level (Panthers have struggled under Rhule…could be a Nick Saban/Miami Dolphins/Alabama situation).

Rhule might actually end up being the best hire the Tigers could make. He worked wonders at Temple, before taking over at Baylor and turning the Bears into an 11 win team during his final season in Waco in 2019.

However, it’s unclear if Rhule is dedicated to sticking it out with the Panthers.

Unfortunately for LSU, there’s no “sure thing” hire right now. That’s why firing a head coach — especially one just two years removed from winning a national championship — is always a massive gamble.