LSU football might have another important assistant coach to replace in 2020.
Earlier this week, it was reported that LSU football’s Dave Aranda could be a candidate for Baylor’s vacant head coaching job.
At the time, it appeared that Virginia Tech’s Justin Fuente was Baylor’s top choice. Fuente interviewed with Baylor earlier this week.
On Thursday, however, Fuente sent a tweet that indicated he’s staying at Virginia Tech in 2020.
2020 - Let’s go! pic.twitter.com/hSE2uNR2LB
— Justin Fuente (@CoachFuente) January 16, 2020
With Fuente seemingly off the table, it looks like Aranda has become Baylor’s top candidate.
#LSU DC Dave Aranda emerging as the top candidate for #Baylor's head coaching position, sources tell @SINow.
— Ross Dellenger (@RossDellenger) January 16, 2020
Something similar happened with Aranda and UNLV weeks ago and fell through. We'll see what materializes here, but Baylor is not UNLV.
If Baylor decides that Aranda is their guy, it’s hard to imagine a scenario where he stays at LSU.
It’s no secret that Aranda has strong desires to become a head coach. And taking over at a Power-5 school that’s coming off an 11 win season would be a good situation for Aranda. You certainly couldn’t blame him for taking that job.
Obviously it’s not ideal to lose multiple assistants from a championship winning staff. But losing assistants is a byproduct of success (just as Nick Saban).
If Aranda departs from Baton Rouge, Ed Orgeron should have plenty of candidates to pick from to replace him.
Alabama defensive line coach Brian Baker, who has plenty of NFL experience, or Alabama co-defensive coordinator Charles Kelly, who spent time at Nicholls State in the early 2000’s, could be intriguing options if Aranda leaves for Baylor.
I’m sure plenty of folks would love to work for the defending national champions.