LSU Eyes Dave Aranda for Analyst Role
Former LSU defensive coordinator Dave Aranda, recently fired by Baylor, is reportedly being considered for a role with the program as it watches its defense.
Updated on Nov. 5, 2026 in Football
LSU is considering former defensive coordinator Dave Aranda for an analyst role, according to reports that place him in Baton Rouge watching practice for several days. Aranda has not accepted a job at this time.
Why it matters
The possible move would bring back a coach who oversaw LSU's defense during a stretch of elite results while the program looks at its own staffing options. It also comes as defensive coordinator Blake Baker is linked to head coaching openings elsewhere.
LSU's defense ranked No. 5, No. 12, No. 30 and No. 32 nationally during Aranda's 2016-19 tenure, and Aranda finished 40-40 as Baylor head coach. The report does not state whether an analyst deal has been finalized or its terms.
The players
Dave Aranda
Former LSU defensive coordinator who was recently let go by Baylor after seven seasons as head coach, where he went 40-40.
Blake Baker
LSU defensive coordinator who is a head coaching candidate for openings such as Florida State and who decided to remain with LSU after considering the Tulane job.
The details
LSU is reportedly considering former defensive coordinator Dave Aranda for an analyst role, and he was in Baton Rouge watching practice for a few days. The team's defensive staff is also in focus as coordinator Blake Baker has been linked to head coaching jobs, including Florida State, but he decided to stay at LSU after considering the Tulane job.
Timeline
2016-2019: Aranda serves as LSU defensive coordinator, including the 2019 season when LSU went 15-0 and won the national championship.
Last year: Kiffin arrives and retains Baker and the defensive staff.
November 5, 2026: Report surfaces that Aranda is being considered for an analyst role.
Season Trajectory
LSU's defense, which ranks in the top 10 nationally in total defense and No. 16 in scoring defense, is being weighed against the strong defensive stretch Aranda oversaw from 2016-19. Any staffing change tied to Baker's future would shape how the program carries that defensive standard forward.
Fantasy and betting followers tracking LSU's defense should note that the coaching staff could shift if Baker takes a head coaching job elsewhere. Any change to the analyst or coordinator roles would be worth watching as the program's defensive plans take shape.
The takeaway
A coaching staff's defensive results can carry weight beyond a single season, and LSU's recent defensive history shows how much continuity can matter. Readers following the program should watch how staffing decisions around Baker and Aranda develop.
Further reading
For more on the program's coaching moves, see Football coverage from Baton Rouge.
