LSU Football: Steve Ensminger wasn’t forced to an off-field role

LSU football will need a new offensive coordinator in 2021.

LSU football‘s coaching staff in 2021 will look much different than it did in 2020.

That’s because the Tigers will be replacing at least five assistant coaches.

Defensive coordinator Bo Pelini, defensive line coach Bill Johnson and safeties coach Bill Busch aren’t returning to the defensive staff in 2021.

On the offensive side of the ball, passing game coordinator Scott Linehan won’t return.

Neither will offensive coordinator Steve Ensminger — at least not in an on-field role.

It was reported on Monday that Ensminger will transition to an off-field role in 2021.

Transitioning to an off-field role, or being “reassigned” is usually code for “we like you, we don’t want to fire you, but we also don’t want you doing this job anymore”.

That’s not the case with Ensminger, though.

Steve Ensminger could’ve stayed as LSU football’s offensive coordinator in 2021

If Ensminger wanted to return as LSU’s offensive coordinator in 2021, he could’ve.

Brody Miller reported this week that Tigers head coach Ed Orgeron told Ensminger he could stay on as LSU’s offensive coordinator.

Instead, Ensminger opted for a lesser role with the program. Serving as an analyst to help LSU prepare for opponents.

I get it.

Ensminger is 62. He’s been either playing or coaching football since 1976. All but two of those years have been spent in college football.

There aren’t many jobs in sports more demanding than being a college football coach. Long hours, recruiting year-round, intense practices. It’s a grind.

And I completely understand that Ensminger is ready to be done with that grind. He’ll still get his football fix by being an analyst, but he will certainly have more time to do the things he wants to do away from football.

He’s earned it.

That’s why I think it’s important for folks to fully understand that this was Ensminger’s decision and not anyone else’s.