Could the LSU Tigers find their next defensive coordinator on Sunday?
According to Adam Rittenberg of ESPN, the Tigers are set to interview Minnesota Vikings defensive backs coach Daronte Jones for their open defensive coordinator position on Sunday.
Jones, who has spent the past two seasons in Minnesota, has coached in the NFL for the previous five years, including stints with Miami and Cincinnati.
Before going to the NFL, Jones spent the 2015 season as the secondary coach for the Wisconsin Badgers. The Badgers allowed only seven passing touchdowns in his only season at Wisconsin.
Jones also spent three seasons at Hawaii as the secondary coach.
A native of Capitol Heights, Maryland, Jones played his college football at Morgan State.
A fast-riser in the coaching ranks, Jones spent time coaching at two Louisiana high schools early in his coaching career.
Jones is the fourth known candidate to speak with LSU head coach Ed Orgeron about the open defensive coordinator position.
Marcus Freeman, Orgeron’s top candidate, opted for Notre Dame. Mississippi State defensive coordinator Zach Arnett also spoke with Orgeron but was deemed not a fit.
Earlier this week, it appeared LSU had hired New Orleans Saints defensive line coach Ryan Nielsen as the new defensive coordinator. However, the next day Nielsen received a new three-year contract with New Orleans and an additional title.
The Tigers fired Bo Pelini shortly after the 2020 season concluded after just one season on the job.
Orgeron has not indicated if he has a timeline for a decision. Due to the importance of this hire, Orgeron is wise to interview multiple candidates after missing out on his preferred choice.
Sources: #LSU will interview #Vikings defensive backs coach Daronte Jones for its defensive coordinator job on Sunday. Jones has coached DBs at Wisconsin, Hawaii and UCLA, as well as with the Bengals and Dolphins, and in the CFL. Jones also coached at two Louisiana high schools.
— Adam Rittenberg (@ESPNRittenberg) January 23, 2021