CANDIDATES FOR LSU's LB & DL COACH??

by LONN PHILLIPS SULLIVAN

@LonnPhillips

In the wake of Daronte Jones being hired as LSU's new Defensive Coordinator, here's what we're hearing so far about D-Line & LB Candidates for the 2021 Tigers:

D-LINE COACH:

-KARL DUNBAR

(former Tiger, current Steelers D-Line Coach since 2018)

We can confirm he's been contacted by LSU: whether that means he's being interviewed, turned down the offer, or is gung ho for the gig, we aren't aware at this moment....time will tell about Dunbar.

-ANDRE CARTER

(former Pro Bowl DE, current Jets' DL Coach, just interviewed with Cincinnati)

A confirmed target and Coach O's favorite on the list of DL candidates.

From multiple sources, Carter is LSU's #1 target for the job.

-CHRISTAN LACOUTURE

(current Tigers' National Championship-winning DL GA & former #18 Tiger)

We know he will get a look at the job....but will Coach O let him take a job out from under a seasoned, experienced D-Line frenetic like Andre Carter or LSU luminary such as Karl Dunbar? I don't think so...but expect LaCouture to remain a fundamental piece of the staff, although....if the D-Line Coaching search begins to trend like the DC hiring went, perhaps Orgeron has "Laca" as a primal option.

A grade A recruiter, energizer and nonstop madman, Christian would be a savage DL coach and I expect him to earn that title soon.

LBs COACH:

-BLAKE BAKER

(current Miami Hurricanes' co-DC / ILBs )

-In his first season at The U, Baker coordinated a defense that ranked No. 13 nationally in total defense (yards allowed per game) and No. 12 nationally in yards per play allowed. In addition, the Hurricanes ranked No. 4 nationally in tackles for loss, No. 6 in sacks, No. 10 in run defense, No. 16 in red zone defense and No. 18 in pass defense.

-However, in 2020 his unit were miserable (5 games allowing 34+ points highlighted by surrendering 62 points to #17 UNC, 42 points to #1 Clemson, 37 to #21 Oklahoma State & narrowly beating #18 Louisville 47-34);

Now, Baker finds himself on the hot seat at Miami....but could the U's loss become the Tigers' gain?

Is the young co-DC just not ready for the big-time gig?

Could Baker become an extremely savvy pick for LBs Coach?

Our take: Maybe not, he makes almost $704,000 per year....can LSU spend that much for a position coach coming off a hot-seat season at Miami?

-TRAVIS WILLIAMS

(current Auburn LBs Coach)

(K.J Britt was his 3rd All-SEC LB during his time and the first Auburn LB selected as 1st team All-SEC since Travis Williams did it himself back in Auburn's undefeated year in 2004).

In our eyes, LSU are going to pursue Williams with everything they've got....he's the favorite.

-TOMMY THIGPEN

(currently at UNC)

Thigpen won a National Championship at Auburn in 2010 as their safeties coach, played LB for the New York Giants' 1993 team alongside fellow rookie Michael Strahan and legend Lawrence Taylor in the G.O.A.T linebacker's final season in NY.

He's been at UNC (co-DC / ILB coach) since 2019 and would be an intriguing hire by Coach O. He's in the mix, although an unconfirmed target.

-ALEC OSBOURNE

(current at LSU)

Definitely a dark horse candidate but a LB staffer I'd love to at least stay with the program as a LB-assistant. A name to keep your eyes on...

BLACK LIVES MATTER