Last week LSU wrapped up its offensive brain trust hires with two new assistant coaches joining coach Ed Orgeron’s staff. Now Orgeron is focused on hiring a defensive coordinator to replace Bo Pelini after his likely top choice, Cincinnati DC Marcus Freeman, accepted the same position at Notre Dame.

Orgeron offered the latest update on the search during his regular appearance on “Off the Bench” on ESPN Baton Rouge.

“It’s looking good,” Orgeron said. “We have a lot of great candidates. It’s about getting the right fit. Hopefully we can get it within the next week, but we’re going to take our time, get the right people in here and I think defensively all the pieces are going to fit together. I wanted to get the offense first. We can handle it, I’ve coached defense all my life. We can take care until we get the right guys, and I do believe the right guy is going to come along.”

FootballScoop reported that multiple sources said LSU is prioritizing Mississippi State defensive coordinator Zach Arnett, who is scheduled to be in Baton Rouge Tuesday to interview with Orgeron and Tigers’ officials for the defensive coordinator vacancy. Yet Arnett, per sources with direct knowledge, also remains among the top candidates for the defensive coordinator position on Steve Sarkisian’s inaugural Texas Longhorns staff.