Who LSU football must target as next offensive coordinator

LSU football fans anxious for a change at defensive coordinator are not happy with Friday's news that the Tigers are now in search of a new offensive coordinator.

Indeed, Mike Denbrock's departure is sudden, but not surprising news. We'll go into detail on Denbrock's decision later today. For now, we're focused on the next LSU football offensive coordinator. Coincidentally, the best candidate for Brian Kelly and the Tigers isn't difficult to find.

Kirby Moore currently serves as Missouri offensive coordinator and was the name reported with Denbrock as a candidate for Notre Dame's vacancy. I figured Moore was the preferred hire because he's a younger coach that would fit in well with Marcus Freeman's staff. However, Freeman opted for his familiarity with Denbrock, thus, Moore remains at with the other Tigers.

If I had it my way, LSU football is making Kirby Moore its new offensive coordinator.

Moore makes a ton of sense for the Tigers. His offensive scheme is very similar to Denbrock's and he also works in depth with his quarterbacks. Missouri's offense finished as a top 25 unit this season, including 5,315 yards and 409 points.

Irish Breakdown highlighted how much better the other Tigers' offense was with Moore in charge this season.

"The Tigers saw dramatic improvement in scoring offense (24.8 to 34.1), total offense (367.6 to 442.9), yards per play (5.4 to 6.6), passing yards per game (212.9 to 273.5), yards per pass attempt (7.0 to 9.1), yards per completion (11.1 to 13.9), passer rating (129.30 to 158.69), rushing yards per game (154.7 to 169.4), yards per rush (4.1 to 4.6), third down offense (39.4% to 44.4%), red zone offense (80.9% to 98.2%), red zone touchdown rate (59.6% to 61.8%), and the Tigers improved from 37th to 14th in offensive efficiency according to the FEI."

- Brian Driskell, Irish Breakdown

It is also worth noting that Mizzou quarterback Brady Cook and receiver Luther Burden III had career seasons in Moore's offense.

Moore was hired by Eli Drinkwitz last offseason following six years on the Fresno State staff. Jake Haener's best college season was during Moore's tenure as Bulldogs' offensive coordinator. Before breaking into coaching, Moore was receiver with Boise State from 2009-13.

Mizzou recently signed Moore to contract extension. However, as we're learning with Denbrock's situation, an extension does not prevent an assistant coach from taking another job.