The LSU Tigers have officially found their new head coach moving forward. Athletic Director Joe Alleva held a press conference naming Ed Orgeron the new head man of the team. For LSU, this was the best possible hire they could have made. Coach O has always wanted to be the head coach for the Tigers, and now he is living that dream. He said at his press conference that he wants to “build a championship team very fast”.
Under Orgeron, the Tigers finished 5-2 and became bowl eligible. A few players also set records under his leadership. Leonard Fournette and Derrius Guice both set the single-game rushing record this season. The Tigers themselves set the record for most yards against an SEC opponent when they put up 642 total yards against Missouri in October. Now that the future is set, Orgeron has a few things to settle as head coach. He must find an offensive coordinator, and perhaps a whole new coaching staff.
Will Orgeron Keep the Coaching Staff?
If Coach O does intend to keep the staff he has now, LSU is in good position to win a championship in the coming years. Defensive coordinator Dave Aranda is among the best in the country, and LSU’s defense has proven that fact. The Tigers defense in 2016 played outstanding and the best in years. They held the top-ranked Alabama Crimson Tide to just 10 points the entire game. Offensive coordinator Steve Ensminger is a solid coordinator, but the Tigers could easily go after someone better. In fact, a big name has surfaced for that position.
Lane Kiffin from Alabama has popped up as a candidate for offensive coordinator at LSU. Orgeron said once he was introduced as HC that he would try and persuade Kiffin to come to Baton Rouge. But leaving Nick Saban and that prolific offense in Tuscaloosa would be a devastating blow to the Crimson Tide. Plus, Kiffin is making an enormous amount of money working for the Tide, and unless the price is right, he may stay with Saban.
Orgeron should insist on keeping the current staff, for his and the players’ sake. To bring in another coaching staff would force the players to shift to a new system under their coaches. Why fire a defensive coordinator that has your team as one of the top defenses in the country? But Orgeron knows what he is doing, and if he brings in a new staff, hopefully it is for the better and the team can improve next season.
If Not Kiffin, Then Who Will be the Offensive Coordinator?
If LSU isn’t able to acquire Kiffin as the new OC, then who would they bring in? Retaining Steve Ensminger is a top priority if Kiffin decides to stay at Alabama. No other names have surfaced for the position, but as time goes along more names will be brought up. Tiger nation wants someone who can produce a quarterback that can consistently throw accurate passes and lead the team to victory. There are many great offensive coordinators in the country, so expect some familiar names to be brought up if Kiffin fails to come to LSU.
LSU is Set Up for Success:
With Orgeron now being the head man, he has the Tigers in a great position to contend for a national championship. LSU finished the regular season on a hot note with a 54-39 rout of Texas A&M. Although Fournette was inactive, backup running back Derrius Guice carried the team to a much-needed win that sealed Orgeron in. Guice finished with 285 yards, which broke Fournette’s record set earlier in the year. The Tigers have great recruits coming in next season, and with Guice coming back, the team could be fun to watch.
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