Ed Orgeron shares latest on LSU's defensive coordinator search, believes Tigers are close to landing 'up and coming star'
LSU’s national search for its next defensive coordinator may finally be coming to an end.
After missing out on Cincinnati’s Marcus Freeman and New Orleans Saints defensive line coach Ryan Nielsen, both of which had reportedly landed the job according to at least one outlet during the process, the new candidate rumored to land the position is Minnesota Vikings defensive backs coach, Daronte Jones.
This news was first reported by Bruce Feldman of The Athletic. Of course, Feldman is very close to Ed Orgeron, as The Athletic writer has written two books on Orgeron’s coaching career.
During a Tuesday appearance on Baton Rouge-based 104.5 FM ESPN radio show Off The Bench, Orgeron was asked to share the latest on LSU’s defensive coordinator search.
“It’s not finalized yet but I feel really good about the process,” Orgeron said on the show. “Daronte interviewed (on Monday), did a very good job, very impressive. Knows the secondary/defense that I’m used to, the same coverages, same fronts, very sound, very articulate. I think he’d do a great job. I’m presenting the defense to our team and he’s an up and coming star in the coaching ranks.”
The LSU coach was then asked how Jones came onto his radar.
“He was recommended to me by Dave Aranda,” Orgeron answered. “I trust Dave and I called Dave and asked him (to share) his top defensive coordinators in the country and he and I went down the list.
“And there were several guys that I called, but they didn’t want to leave where they were at. So Daronte was right there where I interviewed him and it was an opportune time and I’m glad, if we do get him, I think he’ll do an outstanding job for us.”
Jones worked under Aranda during the 2015 season at Wisconsin. That season, the Badgers led the country by allowing just seven touchdowns for the season. Following that outstanding season for Wisconsin’s defense, Aranda was hired by Les Miles to run LSU’s defense.
The decision to return to Aranda’s defensive system makes sense for the Tigers, as LSU had one of the best defenses in the SEC during his tenure in Baton Rouge and while the offense got the majority of the credit for the team’s run to the 2019 SEC and national championships, the defense did its part during the final five games of the season to ensure the Tigers won it all that season.
Seems strange that this is taking so long.
Seems strange to see LSU taking a chance on an unknown. They passed on Zach Arnett. And they want this guy instead. I think he has potential, but it’s a risk.
I read that LSU passed on Arnett’s buyout.
I read that LSU passed on Arnett because they doubted his ability to command the room.
Not finalized yet. Even the bottom scrapers try to take Coach Whiteboots for a ride.
What is it about Dacoacheaux that he can’t keep his mouth shut? I mean I live in Louisiana and know first hand what these loudmouthed “yats” are like but at times, you have to exercise a little discretion and common sense.
Anyway, here we go again with Yawyaw and his inability to make his own decisions. He has to be told by outsiders what to do and who to like. Whiteboots has no eye for coaching talent at all and lawd have mercy, does it show.
Pete Carrol gave him a burned out Bolini. Brady gave him an inexperienced buddy and now Aranda has given him a guy so far down the list, he was never worth considering. And can you really trust Aranda after Dacoacheaux said this? “Our defense is better now than at any point last season”.
Aranda knows Whiteboots is a schmuck. The only former coordinator who actually cares about LSU, had to cram Brady straight down YawYaw’s gullet.
LSU has their very own Ignatius J Reilly coaching their football program and my guess is Scott Woodward is savvy enough to let Dacoacheaux gag on his lemon bars.
Show us on the doll where LSU has hurt you…
You hate Louisiana so much and despise Coach O yet in Louisiana you remain. You need bus fare for the Greyhound? I’m sure Alabama would love to have you…there are probably some trees that need a good dose of poison.
Reinstate Pandy Fackler.
Definition of gump:
a foolish or dull-witted person
At least you know what you are, but can’t help continually vomiting useless babble. You talk about the loudmouth Yats in Louisiana and Coach O can’t keep his mouth shut, hello pot!
Don’t know whether Jones represents a “return to Aranda’s defensive system”, but he has a ready-made edge rusher in BJ Ojulari.
Whoever gets the job will have a lot of talent to work with. He just has to know what to do with it.
Coach Oeaux has said in recent interviews during this d coordinator search that LSU will be a multiple defense next year.
Gone are the days of having a base system a la a dave aranda 3-4 or bo peep 4-3… nowadays you gotta have both.
Not sure a return to Aranda’s system is what’s needed as much as a fresh take on things by not-a-really-old-guy. He’s definitely got the talent to work with and that part is exciting. I wonder why he’s moved around so much?
Noon mt time and I can’t find where the deal’s official yet…
Hold That Tiger!
As a head coach are you really going to give away your hire list to another school? So if Baylor losses their DC Dave will recruit the second or third choice because he gave his first choice to LSU?
Yes, they all help their buddies get better positions when the time comes. He is a friend that Aranda can help before the door closes. Most people are hired because of a recommendation from a peer. Word of mouth is how most people get hired.
Also, nothing is stopping him from joining Aranda’s staff if the time comes.