Already the nation’s highest-paid assistant coach, LSU had to up the ante to keep Dave Aranda around for 2018 and away from Texas A&M. While the price to do so may seem exorbitant to many, when you consider the fact the Tigers would have had to face Aranda annually, the contract was likely a no-brainer for the school.

LSU did not comment on the details of Aranda’s deal, reported to be four years at $10 million guaranteed, the school did offer several quotes from the power brokers in Baton Rouge.

Cheif among them, school AD Joe Alleva:

“When you have someone of Dave’s caliber, you expect it. We were prepared and ready. Coach O’s leadership on this was crucial and he was fully supported by the administration, university and board. We were all in full alignment. Once this process began, we were ready to put the plan into action and get this done.”

Head coach Ed Orgeron:

“We are very happy to have Dave with us. He is one of the best defensive coordinators in football and the way he handles his players and recruits makes us proud that he is a part of the LSU program. He is a great coach and a better man.”

Aranda also issued the following comments:

“I’m extremely excited to work alongside Coach O and our great coaching staff as we continue to build on the foundation that we have started here at LSU. There are so many good things going on with our program right now and I’m just happy to be part of the next step in this process.”

“We have a very talented group of players coming back on defense and our signing class is a special group, so I’m very pleased and appreciative of the opportunity to remain an LSU Tiger.”