http://www.2theadvocate.com/sports/lsu/featured/35356224.html
Monday came and went without any change to the LSU football coaching staff, despite rumblings to the contrary.
Most of the chatter about a possible purge of the Tigers’ defensive staff was unsubstantiated.
But there were ripples around the state and into Ohio that supplied hints there could be movement sooner than later.
A prominent state native and former Southeastern Conference head coach said he’s open to listening to LSU, among others. He also said he’d be just as content to stay where he is.
Meanwhile, two current LSU assistants could be head coaching candidates.
What didn’t materialize Monday was a replacement for LSU’s embattled defensive co-coordinators Doug Mallory and Bradley Dale Peveto.
If the Tigers decide to make staff changes, former Tennessee defensive coordinator John Chavis could figure in the mix. Chavis officially became unemployed Monday when Tennessee hired Lane Kiffin as the Vols’ new coach.
That made Chavis a hot name for any potential LSU opening, especially after former Georgia coach Jim Donnan reported on an Atlanta sports radio talk show Monday that Chavis and LSU have an agreement in place.
Chavis spent 20 years at Tennessee, first as the linebackers coach and since 1995 as the defensive coordinator. He has been pegged as one of the top defensive coordinators in the SEC for several years.
Despite Tennessee’s troubles this season, UT ranks second in the SEC in total defense (263.5 yards), second in pass defense (160.4) and third in scoring defense (16.8).
LSU coach Les Miles was out of town recruiting Monday, but media relations director Michael Bonnette said Miles denied there was any agreement with Chavis or anyone else.
Ed Orgeron said he hasn’t spoken to Miles or anyone from LSU, but he wouldn’t turn the opportunity down if his phone rang.
The 47-year-old Galliano native is in his first season as the defensive line coach for the New Orleans Saints after a three-year stint as the Ole Miss coach.
TheAdvocate
12/2/08
Magnolia Tribune
