8/12/09: Coaching Changes

Les Miles cleaned house on the defensive side of the ball after the2008 season, and we all know why so no need to re-hash those painful memories. Needless to say, the changes were mandatory, as far as the LSU fans were concerned.

Also, it should be pointed out that Les Miles handled the whole situation PERFECTLY. I don’t want to go into all of the details, but the way Miles conducted the firing/hiring process is the reason why he is more respected as a person than as a football coach.

As a coach, however, Miles went out and got some of the best coaches available, though he missed out on Ed Orgeron. Although it wasn’t a good fit between LSU and Orgeron right now, I hope that one day he is on the LSU sidelines. Here’s a brief description of the three new coaches on the defensive side of the ball.

JOHN CHAVIS, Defensive Coordinator

Age 52.
Nickname – “The Chief”. He is the only Native American coordinator or head coach in major college football and the NFL.
Played DL at Tennesse in late 70’s.
Chavis has been the Volunteer defensive coordinator since 1995. Since then, his defense has ranked in the top 4 in the SEC 10 times.
Chavis coached the linebackers at Tennessee for the past 19 years.
He is known for developing great linebackers. Since 1997, Chavis has coached four 1st Team All Americans at the linebacker position.
In 2006, Chavis was named the Assistant Football Coach of the Year by the American Football Coaches Association.
Chavis runs the 4-3 base defense.
Chavis was one of the first coordinators to use the zone blitz.
In 2008, Tennessee was ranked #2 in the SEC and #3 in the nation in total defense.
In 2008, Tennessee only allowed 263.5 yards/game.
In 2008, Tennessee was #2 in the SEC and #4 in the nation in pass defense allowing 160.4 yards/game.
Chavis was replaced by Monte Kiffin, father of new Tennessee head coach Lane Kiffin.

RON COOPER, Defensive Backs

Age 47.
Played for Jacksonville St. University in the early 80’s.
Ron Cooper comes to LSU from South Carolina, where he’s been coaching since 2004.
While Cooper was at USC, the Gamecocks ranked #1 in the SEC and #2 in the nation in pass defense allowing just 160 yards/game.
Cooper also has served as head coach of the following schools: Eastern Michigan University (1993-1994), University of Louisville (1995-1997), and Alabama A&M (1998-2001).


BRICK HALEY, Defensive Line

Age 43.
Played LB for Alabama A&M from 1984-1988.
Haley was most recently the defensive line coach for the Chicago Bears for 2 seasons.
Haley was inducted into Alabama A&M’s Hall of Fame.
He was the football MVP in 1988 and won the Inspiration Award in 1987 while at Alabama A&M.
Last season, Haley’s Bears ranked #5 in the league in rushing yards allowed per game.
In 2007, the Bears finished 6th in sacks.
He has SEC experience as MSU d-line coach from 2004-2006.
Haley has served as Defensive Coordinator at Baylor and Troy.

Tiger Trivia:

1. How many consecutive games did Andrew Whitworth start during his career?
2. What is the only number to be retired by LSU?
3. In 1986, LSU coach Bill Arnsparger resigned to accept what position?

Next week, it starts to get real. I’ve got a good report coming that will be everything you need to know about who’s playing where and who might surprise us. (Of course, if you read my report, it won’t be a surprise to you!)

Upcoming Pre-season Reports:

8-19-09: Depth Chart Review
8-26-09: 2009 Season Preview. Fall Practice Update.

Answers:

1. 52
2. 20
3. Athletic Director at Florida