The LSU Football coaching staff now has a vacancy Lane Kiffin needs to fill.
LSU safeties coach Jake Olsen is now bound for the NFL, leaving Kiffin to search for a replacement. Olsen is set to join the Washington Commanders in the same role after spending the last two seasons on Brian Kelly's staff in Baton Rouge.
The #Commanders are expected to hire LSU safeties coach Jake Olsen, sources tell @CBSSports.
— Matt Zenitz (@mzenitz) February 13, 2026
Has worked at LSU the last two seasons and helped the Tigers finish this past season ranked top 25 nationally in scoring defense. pic.twitter.com/qlExifeFrx
Olsen had an effective two seasons with the Tigers, with the 2025 season producing great results for the LSU secondary. LSU finished this past season ranked in the top-25 nationally in scoring defense, and ranked 6th in the SEC allowing 204.6 passing yards per game.
But there is one stat that stands above the rest to show how effective Olsen was as LSU's safeties coach in 2025.
LSU without a safeties coach after Jake Olsen heads to NFL
Not much came easy for LSU's opponents through the air in 2025. This past season, LSU was the only team in the country to collect more interceptions than passing touchdowns allowed.
The Tigers picked off 17 passes throughout the course of the season, with safety A.J. Haulcy, linebacker Harold Perkins Jr, and cornerback DJ Pickett leading the way with three apiece. Cornerback PJ Woodland, cornerback Mansoor Delane, safety Tamarcus Cooley, and safety Dashawn Spears each tallied two interceptions on the season.
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Under Olsen’s direction, Haulcy emerged into one of the best safeties in the entire country. The Houston transfer totaled 88 tackles (49 solo) to go along with three interceptions and four passes defended. For his efforts, Haulcy earned All-America honors from multiple outlets following the 2025 campaign.
Olsen came to LSU from Missouri, where he coached alongside LSU defensive coordinator Blake Baker. Olsen joined Baker in making the move from Columbia to Baton Rouge.
With Olsen set to join the Commanders, Kiffin will begin a national search for a new safeties coach. LSU's safety group for 2026 figures to be led by Boise State transfer Ty Benefield.