LSU Football: The Lincoln Riley is dream is officially dead for the Tigers

The rumors that Oklahoma’s Lincoln Riley would be LSU football‘s next head coach were fun while they lasted.

On Saturday night, after the Sooners lost to Oklahoma State, Riley forcefully put an end to the rumors.

“I’m not going to be the next head coach at LSU,” said a visibly annoyed Riley.

Where does LSU football turn now?

I think it might be time to start worrying about the LSU coaching search.

Riley was probably the biggest fish that Tigers athletic director Scott Woodward could’ve landed. But with Riley staying put in Norman — which was the likely outcome all along — it puts LSU in a difficult spot.

That’s because many of LSU’s other options also appear to be staying put.

Baylor head coach Dave Aranda is expected to sign an extension to remain in Waco. And Florida appears to be quickly closing in on Louisiana’s Billy Napier (it seems like the Gators are more willing to pull the trigger on hiring Napier than LSU at this point).

That means the Tigers are going to have to travel down a road that includes names like Kentucky’s Mark Stoops or Iowa State’s Matt Campbell (not someone I think LSU should hire).

LSU could also ramp up their pursuit of Texas A&M’s Jimbo Fisher, but I’m not sure that hire would go over well with Tigers fans after Ed Orgeron’s squad knocked off the Aggies on Saturday night in Baton Rouge.

Maybe it’s time for LSU to start heavily pursuing Ole Miss head coach Lane Kiffin. That feels like the last big name on the list that could create some real buzz. Kiffin has Ole Miss in the top 10 after one of the best regular seasons in program history. I think it would be extremely tough for him to turn down the LSU job.

The other option for the Tigers is to find a name from the NFL. Carolina Panthers head coach Matt Rhule could be a viable option for LSU.