LSU basketball is at a crossroads, and the future of head coach Matt McMahon hangs in the balance. After another underwhelming season, where the Tigers wrapped up with a 15-17 record and finished last in the SEC, fans are left wondering what's next for the program.
McMahon's tenure hasn't been smooth sailing. With a 60-70 overall record and a dismal 17-55 in conference play, patience is wearing thin.
Yet, despite the lackluster performance, the university hasn't pulled the trigger on a coaching change. The $8 million buyout on McMahon’s contract might be a significant factor in that decision.
The coaching carousel is already spinning, and potential replacements are being snapped up. Rumors swirl about Will Wade’s possible return, but LSU hasn't made any official moves. Athletic Director Verge Ausberry, who stepped into the role in November 2025, faces tough financial decisions, especially after committing to a hefty $91 million deal for football coach Lane Kiffin and a $54 million buyout for former coach Brian Kelly.
Switching coaches now would mean not only paying McMahon’s buyout but also investing in a new hire. If they aim for a high-profile name, the costs could soar.
Then there's the transfer portal to consider. A coaching change could lead to an exodus of players, including top talent like Dedan Thomas, who joined LSU partly due to McMahon’s reputation for developing NBA-level point guards.
Support for McMahon isn't entirely absent. E.J.
Kuiper, a key figure in the search committee that brought in Kiffin, publicly backed McMahon after a thrilling double overtime win against Ole Miss. Kuiper praised McMahon for taking over a struggling program and dealing with injuries throughout the season.
Injuries indeed played a significant role in LSU’s struggles. The Tigers started strong with a 12-1 nonconference record, including a win over NCAA Tournament team SMU.
But the tide turned when Thomas injured his foot, limiting his conference play. His absence was felt alongside the loss of forward Jalen Reed to a season-ending injury.
The team faced additional challenges, such as the suspension of backup center Robert Miller during the SEC Tournament, which further tested their depth.
One potential game-changer is the addition of Ronald Dupree as general manager. A former LSU star and Milwaukee Bucks scouting director, Dupree’s role is to ease the recruiting and team-building burden on McMahon.
Although he joined late in the last offseason, his influence on roster construction is expected to be significant moving forward. Already, LSU has secured a commitment from Australian guard Owen Foxwell, hinting at a promising future.
As LSU weighs its options, the decision on McMahon’s future will undoubtedly shape the program’s trajectory. Whether they choose continuity or change, the Tigers are at a pivotal moment that could redefine their path in college basketball.