LSU’s embarrassing loss to Mississippi State dropped the Tigers to 1–7 in SEC play, and the conversation around the future of Matt McMahon is reaching a boiling point.

Four seasons in, LSU is on track for another year without an NCAA Tournament appearance, and even LSU Athletic Director Verge Ausberry has acknowledged that everything will be evaluated if the Tigers miss the postseason. On paper, the results suggest a coaching change may be warranted.

But the reality is far more complicated.

Firing McMahon and his staff would cost around $10 million, and that’s before hiring a new coach, assembling a staff, and rebuilding a roster from scratch. All of this comes while LSU has already committed unprecedented resources elsewhere — including a $54 million Brian Kelly buyout, a $91 million contract for Lane Kiffin, expanded football budgets, and funding what could be the most expensive college football roster ever at more than $40 million for 2026.

So the real question isn’t just should LSU make a change — it’s can they? And is there real donor appetite for another massive financial move?

We break down the financial reality, the political dynamics, and why one thing is certain: Will Wade is not coming back to LSU.

Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!

Gametime
Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONfor $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply.

Mazda
Like our players, we’re driven by the details. Because highlights make the reel. What it takes to get there makes it count.
There’s more to a Mazda. Because there’s more to you.

Turbo Tax
For a limited time, you can have your taxes done by a local TurboTax expert for just $150 — all in, if a TurboTax expert didn’t file for you last year. Just file by February 28. Take taxes off your plate and get back to your life.
Visit https://TurboTax.com/local to book your appointment today.

Rocket Money
Let Rocket Money help you reach your financial goals faster. Join at http://RocketMoney.com/LOCKEDON

FanDuel
If you’re a new customer, bet just $5 and get $200 in Bonus Bets if you win. Make it count — because after the Super Bowl, the season is over. Last call for football on FanDuel, an Official Sportsbook Partner of Super Bowl Sixty.

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.