Wisconsin defensive coordinator leaves for LSU
Another year, another crushing coach departure in Madison.
This time, however, it’s not a head coach. But Dave Aranda’s impact at Wisconsin made him one of the nation’s most prized defensive coordinators.
That’s why LSU pursued, and landed him. The team made the announcement that it hired Aranda on Friday night.
“This is a great hire for us,” LSU coach Les Miles said in a release. “Dave has an outstanding track record of producing some of the best defenses in college football. We’ve seen him up close and understand how difficult it is to have success against him.
“He’s everything that we were looking for in a defensive coordinator. He’s youthful with tremendous enthusiasm; our players are going to love him. He brings great defensive knowledge to our staff both as a technician and as a strategist. We are thrilled that he’s joining us.”
Aranda replaced Kevin Steele, who left for Auburn after one season at LSU.
Aranda led the nation’s top scoring unit in 2015. In his three years at Wisconsin, no team in the country allowed fewer yards than Wisconsin. His defenses were among the top five in scoring, total yards, passing yards and rushing yards.
His final game with Wisconsin helped hold USC’s high-powered attack to just 21 points in a Holiday Bowl victory.
Just in case you forgot, Wisconsin kicks off the 2016 season against LSU at Lambeau Field.