LSU head coach Ed Orgeron said the main candidates in the search for two offensive coaches were both in Baton Rouge on Tuesday for interviews, and Orgeron’s plans were to arrest the pair with an approach sooner or later.
Less than 24 hours after the end of the interviews, Orgeron found his hires.
LSU hired Carolina Panthers quarterback coach Jake Peetz to be the new offensive coordinator of the program, sources confirmed with the Geaux247 team. Peetz will replace former LSU offensive coordinator Steve Ensminger, who retired in December after 10 seasons with the team at Baton Rouge.
Peetz, who worked in 2020 with the former LSU pass game coordinator Joe Brady, was in Baton Rouge on Tuesday for a formal interview, which included an interview with another Panthers coach. Peetz joined in the interview by ex-LSU analyst and current Panthers offensive assistant DJ Mangas, who worked alongside Brady and Ensminger during the 2019 LSU National Championship season.
Now, Mangas will return to Baton Rouge as a field coach as the game’s passing game coordinator, sources confirmed with the Geaux247 team. Manga will take on the same role as Brady – his longtime friend and training partner – busy in Baton Rouge. The coordinator of the LSU pass game in 2020 was longtime NFL coach Scott Linehan, who spent just one season with the team.
LSU is expected to announce both signings on Wednesday, sources confirmed with the Geaux247 team.
During an appearance at 104.5ESPN’s Off the Bench earlier this week, Orgeron said the decision to chase Peetz and Mangas came as a result of his desire to move on with a similar attack to the 2019 team, which was 15-0 under Orgeron.
This resulted in LSU contacting Brady, who recommended Peetz and Mangas as good adjustments to bring the offensive philosophy back to Baton Rouge.
“I have a lot of respect for Joe,” said Orgeron. “We asked Joe who could lead the attack and he recommended two guys who are here today. I believe in Joe and what he did, and I believe in Coach Ensminger. I thought these two guys worked really well together two years ago. This year we missed a little of that, and it was because of Joe’s expertise. I want to go back to that offense. “
LSU still has three more open positions with the field team. The Tigers are looking for a new defensive coordinator to replace Bo Pelini, who spent just one season at Tigres. LSU is also looking to replace Bill Johnson as a defensive line coach after his retirement, as well as a potential security technician to fill the void left by Bill Busch.
LSU now has all five offensive coaches in place with Peetz as the offensive coordinator, Mangas as the passing game coordinator, James Cregg as the offensive line coach, Kevin Faulk as the running back coach and Mickey Joseph as the wide receivers coach.
In defense, the Tigers have longtime defense coach Corey Raymond as cornerback coach and recruitment coordinator, although three other signings are expected to join him on that side of the ball.
LSU to interview Cincinnati Bearcats defensive coordinator Marcus Freeman on Thursday in Baton Rouge, sources tell Geaux247 people.
LSU also returns special team coordinator Greg McMahon for the 2021 season.
Stay tuned to Geaux247 to find out more about these breaking news.