LSU eyes analyst role for Dave Aranda
Aranda watched practice in Baton Rouge for several days, but On3 reports that no agreement is finalized or currently in the works.
LSU is considering former defensive coordinator Dave Aranda for an analyst role, according to CBS Sports’ Matt Zenitz, though On3’s Pete Nakos reported that no agreement is finalized or currently in the works.
Aranda spent several days in Baton Rouge watching practice and reconnecting with people inside the program, according to Nakos. LSU’s interest has been reported, but Aranda has not accepted a position.
Aranda coordinated LSU’s defense from 2016 through 2019 before becoming Baylor’s head coach. He went 40-40 across seven seasons at Baylor before being let go.
His defenses ranked fifth, 12th, 30th and 32nd nationally. The Tigers allowed the fewest touchdowns in the country in 2016, while their rushing defense consistently finished in the top 25. Aranda also coached linebackers Devin White, Patrick Queen and Jacob Phillips during a stretch that ended with LSU’s 15-0 national championship season in 2019.
An analyst role would reconnect Aranda with cornerbacks coach Corey Raymond, who was on LSU’s defensive staff during Aranda’s previous tenure. With Blake Baker remaining LSU’s defensive coordinator, coach Lane Kiffin would gain another experienced defensive voice.
Kiffin retained Baker and LSU’s defensive staff after arriving last year. Baker considered the Tulane head-coaching opening before staying, and the source article reports that his name has since appeared on coaching hot boards, including for Florida State. LSU currently ranks in the top 10 in total defense and No. 16 in scoring defense.
Bringing Aranda into the program could provide continuity if Baker eventually takes a head-coaching job, but that remains a possible future scenario rather than an announced staff change. For now, LSU’s reported interest and Aranda’s practice visit are the only established developments.
Why it matters
Aranda previously directed four LSU defenses and coached key linebackers during the program’s 2018-19 run. An analyst role could add an experienced defensive voice while Baker continues leading a unit ranked in the top 10 in total defense and No. 16 in scoring defense.
What to watch next
Watch whether LSU’s reported interest develops into a formal analyst agreement and whether Aranda decides to return to Baton Rouge.
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