It's only been a few weeks, but so much has changed since the LSU Tigers won the College Football Playoff National Championship Game. It feels like the team of destiny last season has been gutted completely and it's up to head coach Ed Orgeron to pick up the pieces. Hiring a defensive coordinator was certainly high on the list, and they are planning to bring back a familiar face.
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Youngstown State head coach Bo Pelini was the DC in Baton Rouge from 2005-07. He coached a dominant defense under Les Miles and helped the Tigers win the 2007 SEC Championship and the 2008 BCS National Championship over Ohio State. Those were some great memories, and now more can be added.
LSU is reportedly bringing back Pelini to be the defensive coordinator in 2020 and replace Dave Aranda, who took the head coaching job with the Baylor Bears this offseason.
LSU Hires Bo Pelini as Defensive Coordinator
NEWS: Former #Huskers coach and current Youngstown State coach Bo Pelini is expected to replace Dave Aranda as #LSU's next defensive coordinator, sources tell @SINow.
Pelini's multi-year deal will pay him around $2M a year. He served as DC under Les Miles from 2005-07.
— Ross Dellenger (@RossDellenger) January 27, 2020
The reunion, which was reported by Sports Illustrated's Ross Dellenger and Stadium's Brett McMurphy, certainly has the potential to be something great. Sure, Pelini was fired by the Nebraska Cornhuskers years back and has been coaching at the FCS level for the last five seasons, but it seems like a perfect match and a second chance for the 52-year-old to make more waves in major NCAA college football.
Pelini was LSU's defensive coordinator before. He knows what it takes to win a national title in Louisiana. He understands how to recruit big-time high school prospects. Pelini taking over the defensive coordinator job seems like a good fit and a safe one, especially considering his track record in the NFL, at Oklahoma, and as the head coach Nebraska with several big bowl appearances.
LSU lost seniors in defensive end Rashard Lawrence, linebacker Michael Divinity, and defensive back Kristian Fulton. The Tigers also lost edge rusher K'Lavon Chaisson, linebackers Jacob Phillips and Patrick Queen, and safety Grant Delpit early to the NFL Draft.
Bringing back Pelini for the defensive coordinator position might have some mixed reviews, but it's a step in the right direction to reload before next season.
