5 names to consider as LSU Football’s search for a new DC continues
By Zach Ragan
LSU football’s search for a new defensive coordinator continues after getting turned down by Marcus Freeman.
On Friday, LSU football thought they had their guy.
Football Scoop reported that Marcus Freeman, the Cincinnati Bearcats’ defensive coordinator, was close to a deal with the Tigers to replace Bo Pelini in Baton Rouge.
By Friday night, however, Freeman was announced as the new defensive coordinator at Notre Dame.
That meant LSU had to reset their search.
Unfortunately for the Tigers, there are a few names that were available at the beginning of the search that are no longer available.
Former Vanderbilt head coach Derek Mason has joined Auburn’s staff. And other options appear to be comfortable in their current positions.
As the search to replace Pelini has reset, here are five names to consider as LSU looks for their next defensive coordinator.
Barry Odom — Arkansas defensive coordinator
Barry Odom will likely be Ed Orgeron’s top target in phase two of the search.
Orgeron reportedly “covets” Odom.
Odom, who was the head coach at Missouri from 2016-2019, would prefer to remain at Arkansas according to a report last week from Whole Hog Sports.
"Sources with knowledge of the decisions told the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette on Tuesday that University of Arkansas defensive coordinator Barry Odom and strength and conditioning coach Jamil Walker both intend to remain with the Razorbacks for a second season."
This report won’t stop LSU from pursuing Odom. We’ve seen plenty of situations like this before. LSU is undoubtedly a better job than Arkansas. If the money works, I could certainly see Odom changing his mind and heading to Death Valley.