LSU is working to add former Baylor head coach Dave Aranda in an analyst-type role, according to sources cited by CBS Sports.
Aranda was fired by Baylor on October 25 after seven seasons with the program. He previously served as LSU's defensive coordinator from 2016 to 2019, helping the Tigers win the 2019 national championship. During that stint he was the highest-paid defensive coordinator in the country and oversaw five consecutive top-10 defenses dating back to his time at Wisconsin.
The Tigers currently rank among the nation's best defenses under coordinator Blake Baker, sitting fourth nationally and allowing just 4.3 yards per play. They have surrendered only 17 combined points in their last two games against Mississippi State and Auburn. Aranda would provide an additional schematic perspective, particularly with linebackers, a position group where he has a reputation for creative pressure packages.
LSU's linebacker corps features versatile players such as TJ Dottery and Davhon Keys, with captain Whit Weeks expected to return from injury soon. Aranda's overall head coaching record at Baylor was 40-40. He guided the Bears to their first AP top-five finish in 2021, capturing a Big 12 title and a Sugar Bowl victory, but the program posted four losing seasons in his six full years.
