Everyone seems to have their dream replacement for Brian Kelly now that the failed experiment of him winning the LSU Tigers a National Championship (or even an SEC title) is finally over.
However, one name in particular has garnered more traction as the day has unfolded since Kelly was fired: Joe Brady.
Brady was the passing game coordinator and wide receivers coach under Ed Orgeron when the Tigers won it all in 2019. Many argue that the former LSU OC made quarterback Joe Burrow into who he is today: a National Champion, a Heisman Trophy winner, and one of the premier QBs in the NFL.
So yes, it would be incredible to have Brady back in Baton Rouge and leading the Tigers once again. However, it's extremely unlikely that he would return to the college level when he's such a highly sought-after coordinator at the next level, and for one other major reason.
Could Joe Brady become an NFL head coach?
Similar to the world of college football, the world of NFL football is seeing a lot of head coaching turnover with teams falling well short of a winning record (like the Tennessee Titans, who are currently 1-7 overall).
With head coaching roles opening up at the next level, a star coordinator like Brady would be a brilliant hire for one of the franchises looking to bring some juice back to their program.
Since winning the Championship with LSU in 2019, Brady has flown up the ranks in the NFL, starting as the OC for the Carolina Panthers and then starting his climb with the Buffalo Bills, where he is currently the offensive coordinator.
Brady has worked hand-in-hand with defending MVP Josh Allen to take the Bills back to their glory days, creating one of the most dominant offensive groups in the nation.
Also read: Frank Wilson steps in. What you need to know about LSU's interim coach
So, while it never hurts to aim high, LSU fans may need to temper their expectations when it comes to who exactly could and will step into the role of the Tigers' head coach.