Report says LSU leaders believe top target Jimbo Fisher is ‘very interested’

LSU lost at home as a two-touchdown favorite against Florida Saturday, seriously weakening the head coaching candidacy of interim Ed Orgeron.

According to a report from The Advocate’s Rodd Dellenger, Florida State’s Jimbo Fisher is LSU’s top target, and the administration does not expect the coaching search to take very long. It would like to have the new coach installed by next weekend.

The report also says that Fisher is “very interested” in returning to Baton Rouge, according to LSU leaders, where he was offensive coordinator during the early 2000s under Nick Saban and Les Miles.

Fisher spoke about job speculation on November 15.

I did [see the report] when I walked out of a meeting, had no idea. But here’s the thing: I’m not going to talk about any jobs. I love being at Florida State. I plan on being here and I’m just getting ready for Syracuse. That’s the last thing I’m going to say on that. No offense to anybody or anything else, that’s just what I’m going to do. I love being here.

This is nothing new for Fisher, who has routinely refused to shoot down job speculation on an annual basis. It’s a smart business move for a head coach who has received raise after raise with the tactic. To flat out deny reports would remove negotiating leverage.

Fisher was asked about how the speculation impacts Florida State’s recruiting, which currently ranks 8th nationally.

“I am very up front and direct with those guys with what is going on. I am extremely happy at Florida State. Always be honest,” Fisher said Monday about his approach with recruits during job speculation.

Fisher is one of only four active head coaches to have won a national title, though his teams have arguably underachieved relative to talent level over the last two seasons.