Ed Orgeron’s second coaching staff move comes on his second day as LSU’s official head coach.
Sunday, Orgeron and LSU parted ways with special teams coordinator Bradley Dale Peveto. Monday, Orgeron retained LSU defensive coordinator Dave Aranda, who some call “The Professor.” Aranda agreed to a three-year contract, as first reported by ESPN.com.
The contract between Aranda and LSU has yet to become official, multiple reports said.
Aranda’s contract will include the new title of associate head coach, a raise and an extension to his contract, according to the reports. In January, Aranda signed a three-year deal for $1.2 million a year with the school.
In LSU’s first 10 games, Aranda, 40, and LSU’s defense allowed 11 touchdowns, which was the lowest in the nation at the time, far surpassing expectations for the Tigers’ defense.
On Saturday during Orgeron’s introductory news conference, LSU and the coach felt confident they could retain the defensive coordinator.
“I think the world of Dave Aranda, and it’s our full intent to keep him here,” LSU athletic director Joe Alleva said.
Have any teams reached out to Aranda?
“Not to my knowledge,” Alleva said.
Orgeron spoke to Aranda on Saturday morning prior to the official announcement of Orgeron’s promotion.
“I feel confident that Dave’s going to be with us,” Orgeron said. “I had a great conversation with him this morning. … But, knowing that you have one of the best, people are going to come after him. We understand that.”
Orgeron added: “My plan is to take my time and assemble the best staff in America. We have some great coaches on our staff right now, led by Dave Aranda. He is the best coordinator in football. We plan on him being with us. I spoke with him this morning. We’re happy that Dave is an LSU Tiger, I promise you that.”