By CODY WORSHAM | Tiger Rag Editor
LSU’s battle to keep its defensive coordinator wages on.
According to Brent Zwerneman, the Texas A&M beat reporter for the Houston Chronicle, Jimbo Fisher remains “zeroed in” on Dave Aranda to join his new staff as defensive coordinator. Tiger Rag has since confirmed the news.
Sources: Texas A&M taking another run at hiring LSU defensive coordinator Dave Aranda
Just like the A&M coaching search zeroed in on one guy as its target in Jimbo Fisher, every indication I’ve received A&M has been zeroed in on one guy at defensive coordinator since early on: LSU’s Dave Aranda. I expect this to happen.
— Brent Zwerneman (@BrentZwerneman) January 3, 2018
The Advocate’s Ross Dellenger reported on the day of the Citrus Bowl that Aranda had informed LSU officials he would not be accepting a position with the Aggies. Aranda has two years left remaining on his LSU contract worth $3.75 million, and that deal includes a buyout of 40 percent should Aranda leave for a non-head coaching position another SEC school or any program within 500 miles.
LSU DC Dave Aranda rejects the advances of Texas A&M, reports @RossDellenger https://t.co/EQuSjKA56b
— Tiger Rag (@Tiger_Rag) January 1, 2018
A&M, surely, would be willing to pay Aranda’s buyout, in addition to what has been floated as an annual salary nearing $2 million, and perhaps worth even more. the Aggies have cash to spend, as evidenced by the $75 million they’re shelling out for Fisher.
LSU, meanwhile, is already dealing with drama on the offensive side of its coordinator roles, as Matt Canada remains expected to part ways from the program. LSU would likely owe Canada a buyout of $3 million, barring a negotiated settlement.
LSU’s defense has been dominant under Aranda, finishing the 2017 season 12th in total defense after finishing 10th in 2016. He joined LSU from Wisconsin, where his defenses ranked consistently in the top five nationally. He’s also been rumored to be a potential candidate for the Green Bay Packers’ defensive coordinator role.
A&M’s second run at #LSU DC Dave Aranda is a hard one. And when I mean hard, I mean green and lots of it.
— Ross Dellenger (@RossDellenger) January 3, 2018
Can report that Texas A&M's run at #LSU DC Dave Aranda is a serious one
By serious I man an unprecedented amount of money for a coordinator
— James Moran (@SmartestMoran) January 3, 2018
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