LSU and Ed Orgeron made quite a bit of moves yesterday by parting ways with defensive coordinator Bo Pelini, safeties coach Bill Busch, defensive line coach Bill Johnson and passing game coordinator Scott Linehan. I do not see this as the end of the moves and turnover, with many analysts' futures still in limbo, along with some position coaches that are still being evaluated.
It will be important for remaining staff members to finish strong in recruiting, although guys like Mickey Joseph, Kevin Faulk and Corey Raymond appear safe at this stage. It appears that South Carolina had its eyes on Mickey Joseph, but it does not feel like the Louisiana native would take the Gamecocks up on a job offer.
The need to find the right "fit"is being stressed here. The term seems to be related to personality fits with both the staff and players. This was a huge issue this year, according to sources around the team, so expect the replacements to be guys that are able to relate to the players and mesh better with the coaches on staff. There was quite the bit of division among the staff this year, which appeared to trickle down to the team.
There is a sense of urgency to make quality replacements to curb the damage in recruiting, but there is real pressure to make the best possible hires, so they will not rush to fill the spots.
There has not been a decision made on whether Corey Raymond will take over the entire defensive back room, but it sounds like that is a real possibility. It is likely that none of this will be determined until they settle on a direction at defensive coordinator. That hire's specialty may determine what position hires they make around him. There has been some talk about making a stronger defensive line coach hire, leaving open spots at the safety and linebacker coach positions.
Back to the analysts: Russ Calloway is someone they really want to retain. The former Samford offensive coordinator was battling Joe Brady for a coaching position two years ago, and just a year later he found his way on staff as a senior offensive analyst. Calloway is loved by the quarterbacks and players, and with his experience coaching quarterbacks and receivers, there could be a push to give him one of those positions. Then there's the possibility that he were to assume the Scott Linehan role of wide receiver coach and passing game coordinator. Some of that may hinge on what Steve Ensminger elects to do, whether it be return another year, retire, or take on a different role. His future remains unclear at this present time.
There are a lot of analyst hoping to land coaching jobs this year. This is a natural occurrence and LSU is preparing a list of potential replacements. There could be a slew of openings on the support staff when all the shuffling is done.
I am currently compiling a list of potential candidates at each opening, starting with defensive coordinator. We should be unveiling these lists today and will run through the Christmas holiday.
__________________________
UPDATE: Steve Ensminger will transition into a reassigned role within the program.
It will be important for remaining staff members to finish strong in recruiting, although guys like Mickey Joseph, Kevin Faulk and Corey Raymond appear safe at this stage. It appears that South Carolina had its eyes on Mickey Joseph, but it does not feel like the Louisiana native would take the Gamecocks up on a job offer.
The need to find the right "fit"is being stressed here. The term seems to be related to personality fits with both the staff and players. This was a huge issue this year, according to sources around the team, so expect the replacements to be guys that are able to relate to the players and mesh better with the coaches on staff. There was quite the bit of division among the staff this year, which appeared to trickle down to the team.
There is a sense of urgency to make quality replacements to curb the damage in recruiting, but there is real pressure to make the best possible hires, so they will not rush to fill the spots.
There has not been a decision made on whether Corey Raymond will take over the entire defensive back room, but it sounds like that is a real possibility. It is likely that none of this will be determined until they settle on a direction at defensive coordinator. That hire's specialty may determine what position hires they make around him. There has been some talk about making a stronger defensive line coach hire, leaving open spots at the safety and linebacker coach positions.
Back to the analysts: Russ Calloway is someone they really want to retain. The former Samford offensive coordinator was battling Joe Brady for a coaching position two years ago, and just a year later he found his way on staff as a senior offensive analyst. Calloway is loved by the quarterbacks and players, and with his experience coaching quarterbacks and receivers, there could be a push to give him one of those positions. Then there's the possibility that he were to assume the Scott Linehan role of wide receiver coach and passing game coordinator. Some of that may hinge on what Steve Ensminger elects to do, whether it be return another year, retire, or take on a different role. His future remains unclear at this present time.
There are a lot of analyst hoping to land coaching jobs this year. This is a natural occurrence and LSU is preparing a list of potential replacements. There could be a slew of openings on the support staff when all the shuffling is done.
I am currently compiling a list of potential candidates at each opening, starting with defensive coordinator. We should be unveiling these lists today and will run through the Christmas holiday.
__________________________
UPDATE: Steve Ensminger will transition into a reassigned role within the program.
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