LSU Football: Tigers appear to pass on potential defensive coordinator

LSU football’s search for a new defensive coordinator continues.

This past weekend, I mentioned Mississippi State defensive coordinator Zach Arnett as a potential candidate for LSU football‘s vacant defensive coordinator position.

On Tuesday, Arnett met with the Tigers about replacing Bo Pelini.

But according to The Athletic, Arnett is not expected to join LSU’s staff in 2021.

“Zach Arnett met today with LSU about the Tigers defensive coordinator vacancy but he is not expected to become the new DC at LSU,” tweeted Bruce Feldman.

Where does LSU football go from here?

Tigers head coach Ed Orgeron made it clear on Tuesday that he plans to take his time with the defensive coordinator hire.

“I’ve coached defense all my life,” said Orgeron during an interview on 104.5 in Baton Rouge (via Rivals). “We can take care of it until we get the right guys and I do believe the right guys will come along.”

Coach O said he wanted to make sure the person they hire is the “right fit”. I think it’s safe to surmise that Arnett wasn’t viewed as a good fit after meeting with LSU on Tuesday.

It doesn’t seem like there’s a frontrunner at the moment to be the Tigers’ next defensive coordinator. LSU is going to take their time and talk to numerous candidates.

Orgeron made it a point on Tuesday to note that he’s not looking for a defensive coordinator that runs a particular base front.

“The better defenses are playing both,” said Orgeron. “Play 3-4 to stop the run and play some nickel packages and most nickel packages are 4-3.”

“I think if you can remain flexible, which we have, the talent on the defensive line can play both. I think you need to remain flexible there.”

Coach O should have plenty of good options to replace Pelini — even after missing on Marcus Freeman.

LSU is a dream destination for a lot of assistants. The right defensive coordinator will come along.