The LSU football program hasn’t wasted much time searching for a new offensive coordinator only six days after the departure of former coordinator Gary Crowton.
Scot Loeffler, a former NFL and college assistant, is the latest name linked to LSU’s vacant offensive coordinator position. Loeffler joins former Louisville and Tulsa head coach Steve Kragthorpe and current Louisville offensive coordinator Mike Sanford as the three coaches LSU coach Les Miles has reportedly interviewed.
Loeffler, 36, was Florida’s quarterbacks coach for the past two seasons but was not retained by new Gators coach Will Muschamp. Loeffler is also a Michigan man, having served as Michigan’s quarterback from 1993 to 1996, which could help spark an interest from Miles.
After spending time as a graduate assistant and Central Michigan’s quarterback coach, Loeffler became the Wolverines’ quarterbacks coach from 2002 to 2007. Loeffler was also the quarterbacks coach for the Detroit Lions in 2008 before he accepted the same position at Florida under former coach Urban Meyer.
Sanford, who reportedly interviewed on Sunday, has ties to Meyer, as he served as his offensive coordinator in the 2003-04 season at Utah. Sanford’s résumé also includes Notre Dame’s quarterback coach (1997-98), San Diego Chargers wide receivers coach (1991-01), Stanford’s offensive coordinator-quarterbacks coach (2002) and UNLV’s head coach (2005-09).
Kragthorpe reportedly interviewed Tuesday for LSU’s offensive coordinator position.
TCU co-offensive coordinator Justin Fuente is also on LSU’s list of interest. FoxSportsSouthwest.com had previously reported Fuente would interview for the position last weekend, but the Dallas Morning News reported Monday night Fuente hasn’t talked to LSU yet about the opening.
Fuente has been on staff at TCU since 2007 when he joined as running backs coach and has called plays for the Horned Frogs since 2009 after former coordinator Mike Schultz left for Illinois. Fuente helped TCU’s offense become one of the more potent offenses in the country in 2010. Under his guidance, TCU averaged more than 41 points and nearly 500 yards per game.
Fuente, who also serves as the quarterbacks coach, helped senior quarterback Andy Dalton become the nation’s fifth most efficient passer (166.48).
LSU passing game coordinator and wide receivers coach Billy Gonzales and offensive line coach Greg Studrawa could also have a shot at succeeding Crowton if Miles chooses an in-house replacement.
 
—-
Contact the Daily Reveille’s sports staff at [email protected]