Orlando, Fla., — LSU coach Ed Orgeron deflected questions regarding a possible offensive coordinator change during his Citrus Bowl postgame press conference following the Tigers' 21-14 loss to Notre Dame.
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Last week, reports indicated that the team planned to part ways with offensive coordinator Matt Canada. When asked about it, however, Orgeron insisted that the team's focus was on preparing for Monday's bowl game.
"This game was always about focusing on Notre Dame," Orgeron said when asked about a possible change following the Tigers' Citrus Bowl loss. "That's all it is right now."
Orgeron did, however, confirm his plan to hire a full-time special teams coach this offseason after splitting the gig between five assistants in 2017.
"I will hire a special teams coach full time," he said. "That's something we plan on doing real soon. The botched returns, that was unlike DJ. We just looked sloppy. Twice we had 10 men on the field. I put it on me. We hadn't done that all year. We're going to hire a full-time special teams coach. Hopefully that makes a difference."
Orgeron confirmed that special teams consultant Greg McMahon would be considered for the position. McMahon spent 11 seasons with the New Orleans Saints, which included working as an assistant special teams coach from 2006-07 before being promoted to special teams coordinator in 2008, prior to joining LSU this offseason.
D.J. Chark muffed two punts during Monday's loss, both of which were recovered by the Tigers. That continued the team's special teams struggles, which occurred throughout the season, having ranked last among SEC teams in kick return yards per attempts (20.22) and 13th in total kick return yards (364).
Both the offensive coordinator and special teams coaching positions will likely be addressed as Orgeron enters his second offseason as LSU's head coach.
