LSU Football: Bo Pelini explains why he’s coming back to Baton Rouge

LSU football head coach Ed Orgeron made a big move this week by hiring Bo Pelini to replace Dave Aranda as the Tigers’ defensive coordinator.

It wasn’t an easy decision for Bo Pelini to give up his head coaching job at Youngstown State to join LSU football.

Pelini recently explained to WFMJ in Ohio that leaving Youngstown State was “difficult”, but that joining Ed Orgeron’s staff in Baton Rouge is a “life changing opportunity”.

The former Nebraska head coach, who previously coached with the Tigers from 2005-07, also said he’s had other coaching opportunities, but the chance to return to LSU is different because he knows what the program is capable of accomplishing.

Pelini also noted that LSU gave him plenty of time to think about the job offer. That means Orgeron quickly identified Pelini as his top choice after Aranda left for Baylor.

It’s worth noting that Pelini and Orgeron have never actually worked together. But they do have some shared connections (aside from the fact that Pelini previously worked at LSU).

Pelini served as Pete Carroll’s linebackers coach with the New England Patriots from 1997-99.

Carroll, of course, is one of Coach O’s biggest coaching influences. Pelini also noted that he has a lot of mutual friends with Orgeron.

I don’t think Coach O could’ve made a better hire than Pelini. It’s someone who knows the area and is a proven football coach (both as a defensive coordinator and as a head coach). Plus he’ll bring a fiery demeanor to the sideline — and that’s always a good thing.