Ad Disclosure
Current SEC defensive coordinator reportedly out of running for same post at LSU
By Sydney Hunte
Published:
As LSU’s search for a defensive coordinator continues, it appears that one of their primary candidates is now out of the running.
According to Bruce Feldman, current Mississippi State defensive coordinator Zach Arnett did meet with the Tigers staff on Tuesday, as was reported earlier on Tuesday. However, Feldman reports that Arnett is “not expected” to succeed Bo Pelini in Baton Rogue.
While no indication was given as to why Arnett is out of consideration for the LSU DC post, it’s clear that his services are heavily in demand elsewhere.
Before ultimately hiring Western Kentucky defensive coordinator Clayton White to the same position in Columbia, new South Carolina head coach Shane Beamer reportedly traveled to Starkville to meet with Arnett. And new Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian is reportedly eyeing the 34-year-old for his initial staff.
Whoever ends up taking the job at LSU, though, will be charged with providing a jolt to a defense that fell well short of expectations in 2020. The Tigers ranked last in the SEC in passing defense and 2nd-from-last in total yards allowed per game while giving up just under 35 points an outing.
Sydney is an Atlanta-based journalist who has covered everything from SEC and ACC football to MLS, the U.S. men's national soccer team and professional tennis. His work has appeared on such platforms as SB Nation, Cox Media Group and FanSided.
