THE RISE OF JAKE OLSEN & HIS STACKED SAFETY ROOM

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By LONN PHILLIPS SULLIVAN

It's not every day, or almost any day, an assistant defensive college football coach turns down an NFL job aboard one of the hottest NFL franchises...but Jake Olsen is made of different stuff...

Under the radar and somewhat in the shadows of defensive coordinator Blake Baker over three consecutive stints together (LSU 2021 as Baker's Linebackers analyst, 2022-2023 as Baker's Safeties manager at Mizzou, and now 2024-2026 at LSU), Safeties Coach Jake Olsen is on a massive rise after an incredible 2 seasons improving the Tigers' long suffering Safeties unit.

Continuing to turn one of the worst eras of LSU safety play (2020-2024) back into the dominant, disruptive, anticipatory athletes of fortune from the Tigers' most glorious days of yesteryear, Jake Olsen kicks off his 3rd season on the job after an unexpected rollercoaster offseason.

Following Olsen's year orchestrating a smothering 2025 safety unit, his prior interviews, and reputation, the former Nicholls and Northwestern State assistant with 15 years of college coaching experience (mostly inside the state of Louisiana) was heavily pursued by the Washington Commanders.

In an interview with Matt Moscona on ESPN 104.5's After Further Review, Athletic Director Verge Ausberry said Olsen was "offered" a contract by Washington, but after a host of national outlets broke the news of his impending departure to the NFL ranks, LSU's top athletic department brass, led by defensive coordinator Blake Baker, made a major push for Olsen to stay in Baton Rouge.

It worked, and Olsen now leads a room that may just be the deepest and most talented reservoir of athletes he's ever commanded.

After witnessing Olsen develop A.J Haulcy, Tamarcus Cooley, and Dashawn Spears into powerhouse players, one wonders just how good 2026 can be with the addition of Ty Benefield and Mansoor Delane's younger brother Faheem joining his ever burgeoning roster of safeties.

A priceless piece of the team's defensive staff, coaching sources at LSU told LSUOdyssey about their complete belief and trust in the young coach, anticipating a long, distinguished career ahead.

By LONN PHILLIPS SULLIVAN

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