Marcus Freeman chooses Notre Dame over LSU

The LSU Tigers fell short of getting their guy at defensive coordinator on Friday evening.

The LSU Tigers fell short of getting their guy at defensive coordinator on Friday evening when Marcus Freeman chose Notre Dame over the Tigers.

Freeman interviewed with LSU in Baton Rouge on Thursday, and LSU reportedly felt things went well with Freeman. However, Freeman flew home to Cincinnati to mull things over with his family.

Remaining at Cincinnati, going to LSU or Notre Dame were all in play for the up-and-coming Freeman. He interviewed with the Fighting Irish earlier in the week.

LSU head coach Ed Orgeron must now turn to his next pool of candidates at defensive coordinator. With Freeman and Derek Mason off the board, Orgeron could look at Barry Odom of Arkansas or former South Carolina coach Will Muschamp, among others.

Former Auburn defensive coordinator Kevin Steele is also available. Steele was the defensive coordinator at LSU in 2015, when Orgeron was in his first season as the defensive line coach.

Orgeron left no doubt earlier in the week that Freeman was his preferred candidate. Fortunately for the Tigers, there are plenty of solid choices remaining, and Orgeron should take his time to avoid the same mistake he made one year ago.