Saban promotes Muschamp to def. coordinator
Maybe the fifth time will be the charm for LSU head coach Nick Saban.
He announced the promotion of second-year linebackers coach Will Muschamp to defensive coordinator Monday.
Muschamp will take over the defensive duties for current Dallas Cowboys linebackers coach Gary Gibbs who left LSU after a little over a year as coordinator.
“Will is one of the brightest young coaches that I’ve been around in a long time,” Saban said. “He made a big contribution to our staff last year. His enthusiasm and knowledge of the game was something that I felt we couldn’t pass up.”
This will be Muschamp’s second stint as a defensive coordinator during his brief coaching career. The Rome, Ga. native served as defensive coordinator for Valdosta State before joining LSU’s staff in Feb. 2001.
“I’m appreciative of Coach Saban having the confidence in me and giving me this opportunity,” Muschamp said. “It’s a great honor to be a coach at LSU and I’m very excited about what we’re building here.”
With Muschamp’s promotion, Saban filled the vacant linebackers spot Monday with former Notre Dame assistant coach Kirk Doll.
Doll will take over as linebackers coach along with an additional title of assistant head coach.
He served as assistant head coach since 1994 at Notre Dame and helped lead the Fighting Irish to five bowl games. Doll also worked under R.C Slocum at Texas A&M prior to his stint in South Bend, Ind.
“I have a great deal of respect for Kirk,” Saban said. “He’s a great person and an outstanding teacher. He has a reputation as being an outstanding coach and an excellent recruiter.”
Saban also said Doll recruited the state of Texas with good results while he was at Notre Dame.
LSU received only one commitment from the Lone Star State for the class of 2002.
“Having played LSU before while I was coaching at Texas A&M and Notre Dame, I know all about the LSU experience and I’m very excited to become a part of the LSU football program,” Doll said. “It really is an honor for me to join Coach Saban’s staff.”
Larry Holder