LSU Football: There’s no reason to doubt Ed Orgeron’s willingness to adapt

LSU football coach Ed Orgeron hired a new defensive coordinator on Monday.

No one should ever doubt LSU football head coach Ed Orgeron’s desire to win or his ability to adapt.

After losing defensive coordinator Dave Aranda to Baylor, Orgeron went out and hit a grand slam by hiring former Nebraska head coach Bo Pelini away from Youngstown State to serve as LSU’s new defensive coordinator.

Orgeron could’ve opted to promote from within (defensive backs coach Corey Raymond could’ve been an option, which probably would’ve been more comfortable. But instead, Coach O decided to hire an established former head coach who already has experience in Baton Rouge (Pelini was the Tigers’ defensive coordinator from 2005-07).

This move shows just how devoted Orgeron is to winning. A lot of coaches balk at bringing former head coaches on staff, simply because it can create some unneeded tension (or they think it can, at least).

Orgeron, however, knows this is the move that’s best for the future of LSU football.

10-15 years ago, Coach O probably doesn’t make this move. But Orgeron has learned how to delegate and trust his assistants more since his stint as a head coach at Ole Miss. He’s evolved into one of the best coaches in the nation. And that’s because of his willingness to adapt in tough situations.

As for Pelini coming back to LSU, I think it’s good to see him back in a Power-5 conference. I thought he got a bit of a raw deal when he was ousted at Nebraska in 2014 (Pelini never won fewer than nine games at Nebraska). His replacement, Mike Riley, was fired after just three seasons.

There’s a good chance that LSU just upgraded their defense.

Never doubt that Ed Orgeron is dedicated to doing whatever it takes to make sure LSU stays at the top of the college football world.