Last week, it appeared that Lane Kiffin was going to be in search of a new safeties coach. LSU safeties coach Jake Olsen was set to join the Washington Commanders in the same role after spending the last two seasons in Baton Rouge on Brian Kelly's staff.
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But in a surprising turn of events, Olsen has decided to stay in Baton Rouge with Kiffin and the Tigers. On Monday, On3's Pete Nakos reported that Olsen ultimately chose to pass on the NFL and stay in the college coaching ranks at LSU for the 2026 season. The change of heart from Olsen is unexpected, but one Tiger fans welcome after Olsen's two effective seasons at LSU.
Sources tell @On3 that LSU safeties coach Jake Olsen has ultimately decided to stay in Baton Rouge with the Tigers. Had emerged as a target to join the Commanders.https://t.co/ROtNNWwCdZ https://t.co/T9vr5YCgeP pic.twitter.com/A0UaGiFLC6
— Pete Nakos (@PeteNakos) February 17, 2026
Jake Olsen passes on the NFL to stay at LSU in 2026
Olsen's tenure at LSU has been impressive. He has been an assistant of defensive coordinator Blake Baker since 2021, and their relationship has led to strong defensive efforts from the LSU secondary in recent seasons.
This past season, LSU was ranked in the top-25 nationally in scoring defense, and ranked 6th in the SEC allowing 204.6 passing yards per game. LSU was also the only team in the country to collect more interceptions than passing touchdowns allowed.
The Tigers totaled 17 passes interceptions in 2025, 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 picks of their own.
Olsen helped safety A.J. Haulcy earn All-America honors from multiple outlets following the 2025 campaign after totaling 88 tackles (49 solo) to go along with three interceptions and four passes defended. The Houston transfer emerged into one of the best safeties in all of college football under Olsen's direction, and Tiger fans are hoping for more of the same in 2026.
Along with returners Tamarcus Cooley and Dashawn Spears, Boise State transfer Ty Benefield figures to take on a large role in LSU's safety group under Olsen this season.