LSU Pursues Dave Aranda for Defensive Analyst Role

LSU is trying to add Dave Aranda, fired as Baylor’s head coach on October 25, in an analyst-type position. Aranda is in Baton Rouge, and the proposed role would let him focus on football schemes rather than leading a program, according to the reports available on November 5.

Aranda previously coached LSU’s defense from 2016 through 2019, also serving as associate head coach. He was part of the Tigers’ 2019 national championship team before leaving to take over at Baylor in 2020. His work at LSU and Wisconsin included defenses that ranked among the nation’s top 10 for five consecutive seasons from 2013 to 2016.

LSU’s defense is already ranked fourth nationally and has allowed 4.3 yards per play under coordinator Blake Baker. The Tigers gave up a combined 17 points in their games against Mississippi State and Auburn over the past two weeks. Aranda is known for designing pressure schemes, including ways to use linebackers, a position group that includes TJ Dottery and Davhon Keys. Captain Whit Weeks is expected to return from injury soon.

Aranda went 40-40 at Baylor. The high point came in 2021, when the Bears finished 12-2, won the Big 12 and claimed the Sugar Bowl. Baylor dismissed him after a loss to Kansas left the team 4-3 overall and 2-2 in conference play. If hired by LSU, Aranda would join former Tigers coach Ed Orgeron, who became a special assistant focused on recruiting and defense in May.