BREAKING: LSU hires Daronte Jones as defensive coordinator

The LSU Tigers finally have their defensive coordinator. 

The LSU Tigers finally have their defensive coordinator.

On Tuesday afternoon, LSU announced the hiring of Daronte Jones as the team’s new defensive coordinator. Jones replaces Bo Pelini, who was fired after one season.

LSU coach Ed Orgeron released a statement on Jones’ hiring via the team’s official website.

Daronte is a great addition to our staff. We did a lot of research and talked to a lot of coaches including Dave (Aranda) and every person we spoke with raved about his knowledge and passion for the game. He’s going to bring tremendous energy to our defense and he will put our players in position to make plays, no matter the situation or scheme. Daronte spent a year working with Dave (Aranda) at Wisconsin and he’s learned from some of the best in the game during his five years in the NFL and I know that he’s going to do a great job with our defense. I’m excited he’s going to be an LSU Tiger.

Jones spent the 2020 season with the Minnesota Vikings as the defensive backs coach. Before coming to Minnesota, he spent the previous three seasons with Miami and Cincinnati.

Before coming to the NFL, Jones coached under former LSU defensive coordinator Dave Aranda at Wisconsin.

Jones also released a statement.

I want thank Coach Orgeron, athletic director Scott Woodard and the administration for this opportunity. I am blessed and thankful to be part of the LSU family, community, and the strong traditions of this program. Geaux Tigers.

Jones joins new offensive coordinator Jake Peetz and passing game coordinator DJ Mangas on Orgeron’s revamped coaching staff for 2021.