When LSU defensive coordinator Kevin Steele bolted for Auburn, Tigers coach Les Miles wasted little time in finding a replacement.
Wisconsin defensive coordinator Dave Aranda is his man, as he announced on Friday night.
But as Fox Sports’ Bruce Feldman reported on Saturday, Aranda won’t come cheap.
Feldman wrote that Aranda will receive a three-year deal that starts at $1.3 million per season with escalations that could make it worth more than that in future years.
He also notes that the contract is not tied to Miles’ fate, so all of the drama surrounding how long Les remains at LSU shouldn’t have an impact on Aranda’s status with the program. He’s secured financially either way, according to Feldman’s sources, but you’d have to think he’d be a coveted asset for any potential new coach.
Given that he has a reputation for being one of the best defensive coaches in the country, Tigers fans likely won’t mind him sticking around.
LSU beat Aranda’s defense in a season-opening win against Wisconsin in 2014, and Aranda himself will coach against the Badgers when LSU travels to play them in the 2016 season opener.
Nick Cole is a former print journalist with several years of experience covering the SEC. Born and raised in SEC country, he has taken in the game-day experience at all 14 stadiums.
