LSU’s search for a new coordinator will continue as another prominent candidate is out of the running.
New Orleans Saints defensive line coach Ryan Nielsen appeared close to a deal with the Tigers on Monday to become the new defensive coordinator.
Jane Slater of the NFL Network reported that Nielsen intended to inform New Orleans head coach Sean Payton of his decision to take the job at LSU.
However, on Tuesday, things changed quickly when it was revealed Nielsen had agreed to a new three-year contract to remain in New Orleans. In addition to his role as defensive line coach, Nielsen will also get the assistant head coach’s title.
Dan Campbell previously held the role of assistant head coach, but he left earlier this week to take over as head coach of the Detroit Lions.
Earlier on Tuesday, LSU coach Ed Orgeron joined ESPN 104.5’s Off the Bench and said Nielsen and LSU were still working on a contract.
We are still working on it,” Orgeron said. “He is a primary candidate. I obviously love Ryan.”
Unfortunately for Orgeron and the Tigers, just hours later, Bruce Feldman of FOX Sports officially broke the news Nielsen was staying in New Orleans.
SOURCE: #Saints D-line coach Ryan Nielsen is remaining with New Orleans. He was a target for LSU’s defensive coordinator job.
— Bruce Feldman (@BruceFeldmanCFB) January 19, 2021
While this is a tough break for Orgeron, there are still plenty of good candidates available.
Nielsen becomes the third known candidate to interview with LSU, following Marcus Freeman and Zach Arnett. Freeman chose the Notre Dame job due to family, while Orgeron never offered the position to Arnett.