LSU football: 5 Biggest concerns in 2015

Nov 23, 2013; Boulder, CO, USA; Southern California Trojans interim head coach Ed Orgeron before the game against the Colorado Buffaloes at Folsom Field. The Trojans defeated the Buffaloes 47-29. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

New faces on the coaching staff

The LSU football community is very excited about the additions of Ed Orgeron and Kevin Steele to the coaching staff. And rightfully so.

Both coaches are incredible recruiters, a breath of fresh air after John Chavis, who seemed indifferent to the recruiting process throughout his time with the Tigers. The dividends have paid off, as LSU currently boasts the No. 2 recruiting class in all of college football for 2016, featuring many top prospects on the defensive side of the ball.

As much positivity as these two coaches bring to the football program, however, nobody will know how well their styles mesh with the current players on the roster until the season begins.

Before Chavis checked out during the Tigers’ Music City Bowl loss and bolted for Texas A&M, he had led LSU to the No. 9 ranked defense in the nation and the best in the SEC. All signs point to the defense being better off with Steele and Orgeron on the coaching staff, but any major changes to a top-10 defense is reason for at least a small amount of concern.

In the end, it is the NFL-caliber players, not Chavis that made the LSU defense one of the best in the nation. Regardless, a drop-off in production due to a new defensive scheme is a very real possibility. Even if it only lasts a few games, that is all it takes for a team to eliminate themselves from SEC contention.

Next: Kicking game