LSU Basketball Coach's Future In Doubt After Blowout Loss

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The LSU Tigers men's basketball team suffered an 80-66 home loss to Mississippi State, dropping them to 1-7 in SEC play and raising serious questions about the future of head coach Matt McMahon. The Tigers' overall record of 13-8 is misleading, as many of those wins came against lower-tier non-conference opponents, failing to prepare the team for the rigors of SEC play. With the team spiraling, the administration is reportedly expecting an NCAA Tournament appearance to avoid a reevaluation of the coaching staff this spring, but that seems increasingly unlikely.

Why it matters

LSU basketball has long been a source of pride for the Baton Rouge community, and the team's struggles this season have left fans frustrated and concerned about the program's direction. A mid-season coaching change could have significant implications for recruiting and the long-term outlook of the team.

The details

The Tigers never led in the game against Mississippi State, falling behind by double digits in the first four minutes and failing to match the Bulldogs' physical play. The loss pushes LSU to a dismal 1-7 record in SEC play, tied for last in the conference standings. While the team's overall record sits at 13-8, a closer look reveals that many of those wins came against lower-tier non-conference opponents, failing to prepare the squad for the regular grind of the SEC.

• The LSU Tigers suffered an 80-66 loss to Mississippi State on January 30, 2026.

What’s next

The LSU Tigers will take on South Carolina in their next game, which could either give Matt McMahon a much-needed win to extend his tenure or result in a loss that ends his position in Baton Rouge.