How LSU Football needs to be careful in search for new OC

LSU football will need a new offensive coordinator in 2021.

LSU football is searching for a new offensive coordinator in the wake of Steve Engminger’s decision to “retire”.

Ensminger is moving to an analyst role — a move that was his choice.

I’m sure there will be plenty of rumors in the coming days/weeks. We’ll likely hear all kinds of names being bandied about.

And that’s a good thing — it will mean that Tigers head coach Ed Orgeron is doing his due diligence and looking at all options.

I would imagine there will be some pressure to hire a young Joe Brady type coach to serve as LSU’s play-caller next season. I can understand that line of thinking, given the success of Brady and other young assistants across college football in recent years.

But I think that could be a mistake.

LSU football needs to be careful in its search for a new offensive coordinator

I definitely think the Tigers need an assistant with fresh, innovative ideas on staff. It’s why I mentioned these three coaches as potential replacements for passing game coordinator Scott Linehan.

But I don’t think one of those young coaches needs to be the primary play-caller.

LSU needs to find an offensive coordinator with experience. They don’t need someone who will be learning on the job.

That usually doesn’t go well in the SEC.

The Tigers would be wise to pair a young analyst with potential — someone like the three coaches I mentioned (or Russ Callaway) — with an experienced offensive coordinator.

Now, who should that experienced offensive coordinator be?

I’m not quite sure of that yet.

Here’s the thing about experienced play callers — they usually end up becoming head coaches if they’re any good. That means they can be tough to find.

I’m sure LSU will have plenty to pick from, though.

I mean, who wouldn’t want to work with talented players like Myles Brennan, Max Johnson, TJ Finley, and Kayshon Boutte?