LSU is working to add former Baylor head coach Dave Aranda in an analyst-type role, according to sources. Aranda was fired from Baylor on October 25 after seven years with the program. Before his head coaching stint, Aranda served as LSU's defensive coordinator from 2016 to 2019, helping lead the Tigers to a 2019 national championship. He was the highest-paid defensive coordinator in the country during that span and produced five straight top-10 defenses from 2013 to 2016 at Wisconsin and LSU.
LSU's defense currently ranks among the nation's best under defensive coordinator Blake Baker, sitting at No. 4 nationally and allowing only 4.3 yards per play. The Tigers have given up just 17 combined points against Mississippi State and Auburn over the past two weeks. Aranda would provide an additional set of eyes focused on pure schematics, particularly known for his creativity with linebackers and generating pressure. LSU boasts a versatile linebacker corps featuring TJ Dottery, Davhon Keys, and captain Whit Weeks, who is set to return from injury soon.
Aranda posted a 40-40 record at Baylor, leading the Bears to their first-ever AP top-5 finish in 2021 with a Big 12 title and Sugar Bowl victory, but failed to sustain momentum with four losing campaigns in six full seasons.
