USA TODAY Sports

LSU Expected to Hire Bo Davis as Next Defensive Line Coach

Originally posted on FanNation LSU Country | By Zack Nagy | Last updated 1/10/24

There was always one name mentioned when Brian Kelly and the Tigers were searching for a new defensive line coach: Texas' Bo Davis.

Now, Kelly has made his home-run hire. The Bayou Bengals are expected to hire Davis as the next defensive line coach at LSU. Wilson Alexander of The Advocate first reported the news.

An official announcement could come as soon as Wednesday, sources tell LSU Country.

Davis, who played college ball at LSU and was previously on staff as a strength and conditioning coach, has evolved into one of the top defensive line coaches in America.

During his stint with Texas, he transformed the Longhorns into one of the top defensive fronts in the country.

He spent 10 years on Nick Saban’s staffs during his career and had coached at Texas since 2021.

In 2023, Texas reached the College Football Playoff with huge contributions from the defense. Now, after an impressive season, Davis has made his move. He will return to Baton Rouge and join Kelly's defensive staff.

It's the second monstrous move Kelly has made in one week after hiring Missouri defensive coordinator Blake Baker.

Baker joins the LSU staff after serving as the defensive coordinator and safeties coach at Missouri for the past two seasons. Baker coached the linebackers at LSU in 2021. Prior to that, he served as the defensive coordinator at Miami (Fla.) in 2019-20 and at Louisiana Tech from 2015-18. He brings eight years of defensive coordinator experience to the LSU program.

“Blake brings a wealth of experience and success as a defensive coordinator throughout his career, including the last two years in the SEC at Missouri,” Kelly said. “His ability to develop and motivate his players while putting together highly successful defenses sets him apart in his field. I am excited to welcome Blake and his family back to Baton Rouge.”

As a unit in 2023, Missouri ranked No. 4 in the SEC in scoring defense (20.8 points per game) and No. 5 in the league in both rushing defense (122.8) and total defense (336.1). Missouri led the SEC and ranked No. 4 nationally in fumbles forced (17) and they were No. 11 in the nation in sacks with 39. The Tigers were also among the Top 20 in the nation in fumbles recovered (No. 16 with 10) and tackles for loss (No. 18 with 88).

Now, the new era of LSU's defense will begin with both Baker and Davis on staff.

This article first appeared on FanNation LSU Country and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: