Wayne E McGahee III

Tallahassee Democrat

Florida State head coach Jimbo Fisher has been mentioned as an option for the LSU head coaching opening since Les Miles went on the hot seat more than a year ago.

Miles was fired just four games into the season after a last second 18-13 loss to Auburn, and once again all eyes turned to Fisher. A report from Nola.com came out last week stating that LSU athletic director Joe Alleva and Fisher's representatives had been in constant contact this season.

Now, a report from The Advocate has come out stating that Fisher is still the prime candidate for the job opening, especially after LSU's final play loss to Florida at home on Saturday under interim head coach Ed Orgeron, and that Fisher is very interested in the opening per "University leaders."

Fisher was the offensive coordinator for the Tigers from 2000-2006 under Nick Saban and Les Miles. He left LSU to become the head coach in waiting and offensive coordinator at FSU.

Jimbo Fisher talks Florida game, recruiting amid LSU speculation

The report also states that the selection process will not be a slow one, and that LSU will aggressively be pursuing Jimbo Fisher starting on Saturday night. LSU's regular season ends against Texas A&M on Friday, while FSU's doesn't end until Saturday when the Seminoles play rival Florida at 8 p.m.

Despite the large buyout that former coach Les Miles had, the school is able to pay it over time and not in one big chunk. This will allow them plenty of leeway to pay Jimbo Fisher's $5 million buyout and whatever salary they offer him. Fisher currently makes $5.25 million at Florida State.

LSU wants to hire an offensive minded coach, due to poor offensive and excellent defensive play the last few years. It also wants a coach that can develop a quarterback. Fisher fits both of those descriptions. The Seminoles are once again in the Top-5 offensively in the S&P+ rankings. Fisher has also put four quarterbacks into the NFL including No. 1 overall picks JaMarcus Russell and Jameis Winston during the last decade.

Florida State puts on offensive clinic against Syracuse

Fisher is 76-17 at Florida State, and has won three ACC titles and one National Championship during his six years as head coach after following FSU legend Bobby Bowden in 2010. Fisher has also been an excellent recruiter for the Seminoles, with five of his seven recruiting classes being ranked in the Top-5 of the 247Sports composite team rankings.

Fisher was asked about the job opening last Tuesday, and neither confirmed or denied the interest in the job.

“Here’s the thing, I’m not going to talk about any jobs,” Fisher said.

"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.”

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