LSU football is reportedly on the verge of reuniting with a cornerstone of its 2019 national championship team, as former defensive coordinator Dave Aranda prepares to join the staff in an analyst capacity. According to CBS Sports’ Matt Zenitz, Aranda is currently in Baton Rouge and is close to finalizing the agreement. This move brings a proven winner back into the program’s orbit, leveraging his deep institutional knowledge to support the current coaching hierarchy.
Former DC returns to Baton Rouge as Blake Baker’s future hangs in the balance
Aranda’s tenure as LSU’s defensive coordinator from 2016 to 2019 established him as one of the premier defensive minds in college football. Under his leadership, the Tigers consistently ranked among the nation’s top defenses, culminating in the 2019 national title. After departing for Baylor, where he served as head coach for seven seasons, Aranda compiled a 40-40 record and won the Big 12 title in 2021 before being dismissed earlier this season following a loss to Kansas.
The addition of Aranda provides LSU with a strategic safety net regarding its defensive leadership. Current defensive coordinator Blake Baker is expected to attract significant head-coaching interest this offseason, making an in-house option crucial for program stability. By securing Aranda now, LSU ensures it has a seasoned, championship-caliber alternative ready to step into the coordinator role if Baker departs, maintaining continuity and competitive advantage on the defensive side of the ball.
Source: Yahoo Sports
