LSU football: The impact of latest (unexpected) coaching change

LSU football is dealing with another coaching change as spring practices continue. Here’s how Jamar Cain’s departure impacts the Tigers.

On Saturday, LSU football defensive line coach Jamar Cain decided to leave for the NFL. Cain was offered and accepted a defensive assistant role with Sean Payton’s Denver Broncos. As a result, the LSU Tigers need a new coach in the middle of spring practices.

Losing Cain during a string of practices is not optimal, but not the worst. LSU football fans must consider that the fall program is the critical preseason period for all programs. Such is when the entire 2023 recruiting class and transfer players enroll in classes and begin practicing in Baton Rouge.

And speaking of recruiting, Cain’s departure is an impacted area. Cain was the primary recruiter of incoming 5-star edge-rusher Dashawn Womack. He was also the lead in the recruiting efforts of 4-star edge rusher Jaxon Howard. Moreover, Cain was a top recruiter for Lincoln Riley’s staff during their tenure with the Oklahoma Sooners.

Jamar Cain was considering a move to USC before Brian Kelly offered him a role on the LSU football defensive staff in 2022.

LSU defensive analyst Gerald Chapman will assume the role of  interim defensive line coach. Chapman previously coached at Tulane and Colorado and is considered a candidate to permanently fill the coaching void. On3 has also spitballed Oklahoma’s Todd Bates, Texas’s Bo Davis, and Coastal Carolina’s Jimmy Brumbaugh as potential candidates.

The on-field presence of John Jancek softens the blow of Cain’s departure from LSU football. Kelly hired Jancek to serve as the new special teams coach last month. However, Kelly intended to add another experienced defensive coach to his sideline. Jancek is a well-traveled defensive line coach and played defensive line for Grand Valley State from 1988 to 1990.

LSU football will continue to thrive in Cain’s absence because the university, resources, and Brian Kelly remain the key enablers. However, seeing Cain leave the program is tough because he has represented the Baton Rouge well during his short tenure. The Broncos know they are getting a great person who is an excellent football coach.