LSU football defensive line vacancy: 10 possibilities to replace Bo Davis

LSU Football Defensive Line Vacancy: 10 Possibilities to Replace Bo Davis

The departure of Bo Davis from LSU’s football program to take a position with the New Orleans Saints has left a significant void in the Tigers’ defensive coaching staff. Davis, who was instrumental in developing LSU’s defensive line into one of the SEC’s most feared units, built a reputation as an elite defensive line coach. His work with Maason Smith, BJ Ojulari, and Makai Wingo made an immediate impact on the Tigers’ defense. The challenge now lies in finding a coach who can not only fill Davis’ shoes but also continue to elevate LSU’s defensive front as the Tigers prepare for a challenging 2025 season.

In the search to replace Davis, LSU has a wide array of possible candidates, ranging from internal options within the current coaching staff to external candidates who could bring fresh perspectives and recruiting prowess to the program. Here, we will explore 10 potential candidates who could step in as the new defensive line coach at LSU, assessing their experience, qualifications, and ability to maintain LSU’s status as a powerhouse in the SEC.

1. Jamar Cain (Defensive Line Coach, Arizona State)

Jamar Cain’s name has circulated in coaching circles due to his impressive track record in developing defensive line talent. Cain currently serves as the defensive line coach at Arizona State but has previous coaching experience at powerhouse programs like Oklahoma, where he helped the Sooners develop top-tier defensive linemen. His recruiting ability and familiarity with the high-level talent in the SEC make him a prime candidate for the LSU job.

At Oklahoma, Cain coached players like Ronnie Perkins, who became a key contributor in the NFL, and helped improve the defensive front in both pass rush and run defense. Cain’s ability to coach players at the highest level, along with his background in both Power Five conferences, would make him an attractive option to LSU. His connections in Texas, a state rich in football talent, could further help him in recruiting elite defensive line players to Baton Rouge.

2. Derrick LeBlanc (Defensive Line Coach, Arkansas)

Derrick LeBlanc is an experienced defensive line coach who currently works at Arkansas, where he has helped to improve the Razorbacks’ front seven. Before that, LeBlanc had a successful stint at Florida State, where he helped develop multiple NFL-caliber defensive linemen. His experience in both the SEC and ACC gives him the necessary background to thrive at LSU.

LeBlanc is known for his ability to develop players with diverse skill sets, from pass rushers to run-stoppers. His aggressive coaching style and success in recruiting in the southeastern United States could be a huge asset for LSU. Additionally, LeBlanc has developed a reputation for his attention to detail, particularly when it comes to teaching technique, which could help LSU maintain its strong defensive line presence in the SEC.

3. Dennis Johnson (Defensive Line Coach, Mississippi State)

Dennis Johnson is a familiar name in the SEC, having spent time coaching at Mississippi State, where he led the Bulldogs’ defensive line to significant improvements. Johnson’s work with Mississippi State’s defense has garnered attention for his ability to get the most out of players in the trenches. His coaching acumen and familiarity with the SEC make him an ideal candidate for the LSU job.

Johnson is known for his work with players like Jeffery Simmons and Montez Sweat, who went on to have successful careers in the NFL. His ability to coach both interior and edge rushers could be critical for LSU, given the diverse skill sets required in the Tigers’ defensive system. Johnson’s connections within the SEC and his understanding of the league’s level of competition make him a strong candidate to continue LSU’s dominance in the defensive trenches.

4. Rodney Garner (Defensive Line Coach, Auburn)

Rodney Garner is one of the most accomplished defensive line coaches in the country. With an extensive coaching career that spans multiple decades, Garner has developed elite players at multiple programs, including Georgia, Tennessee, and Auburn. He is widely respected for his ability to develop talent, particularly in the SEC.

Garner’s coaching philosophy centers on building tough, physical defensive linemen who are capable of controlling the line of scrimmage. His reputation for developing NFL-caliber players, including players like Derek Barnett and Jordan Davis, would make him an appealing option for LSU. Additionally, Garner has a proven track record of success in the SEC, which would be crucial in maintaining LSU’s recruiting advantage and on-field dominance.

5. Elijah Robinson (Defensive Line Coach, Texas A&M)

Elijah Robinson is a rising star in the coaching ranks. He currently serves as the defensive line coach at Texas A&M, where he has helped to develop some of the top defensive linemen in college football, including potential NFL first-round picks. Robinson’s ability to work with both young and experienced players has been a key factor in the Aggies’ defensive line success in recent years.

Robinson has strong ties to the Texas area, a region that is critical to recruiting for LSU. His experience in recruiting top-tier defensive line talent, as well as his ability to coach up raw talent, would make him a strong fit for LSU. As a young, up-and-coming coach, Robinson could bring fresh energy to the LSU staff, while still maintaining the level of excellence the Tigers require in their defensive line.

6. Jimmy Brumbaugh (Defensive Line Coach, Louisville)

Jimmy Brumbaugh has made a name for himself as a defensive line coach, particularly for his work at multiple high-profile programs. Brumbaugh has experience coaching in the SEC at schools like Tennessee and Auburn, where he worked under head coach Gus Malzahn. His coaching philosophy is centered around creating explosive, aggressive defensive linemen who are capable of wreaking havoc on opposing offenses.

Brumbaugh has coached some standout players, including Auburn’s Derrick Brown and Tennessee’s Kyle Phillips, both of whom went on to play at the NFL level. His ability to develop and refine the skills of defensive linemen, combined with his familiarity with the recruiting landscape in the SEC, make him a prime candidate for the LSU job. Brumbaugh’s strong track record of player development and success in major conferences would be an asset to LSU as they look to build on their defensive line success.

7. Corey Raymond (Defensive Backs Coach, LSU)

Although Corey Raymond is currently LSU’s defensive backs coach, his deep ties to the program and his experience with the Tigers could make him an intriguing option to step in and take over the defensive line coaching duties. Raymond, who has been with LSU for over a decade and is known as one of the top defensive back coaches in college football, has developed several standout players in the secondary.

Raymond’s experience working with LSU’s defense would provide him with the knowledge and expertise to take over a new position and continue the success that the Tigers have had on the defensive line. Although this would be an unconventional move, Raymond’s familiarity with LSU’s overall defensive philosophy and his ability to recruit top talent in Louisiana and beyond make him a possible internal candidate for the role.

8. Travis Jones (Defensive Line Coach, Mississippi State)

Travis Jones has been an integral part of Mississippi State’s defensive coaching staff and has been credited with helping develop a defensive line that has become one of the toughest units in the SEC. Jones’ work with players like Chris Jones (no relation) and Montez Sweat has established him as a capable coach who knows how to get the most out of his defensive linemen.

Jones’ coaching style emphasizes technique and discipline, which would align well with LSU’s overall philosophy. His familiarity with the SEC and success in recruiting in Mississippi and the surrounding areas give him a leg up in terms of recruiting for LSU. If the Tigers are looking to bring in a coach who can hit the ground running in both player development and recruiting, Jones could be a strong candidate to replace Bo Davis.

9. Chris Rumph II (Defensive Line Coach, Duke)

Chris Rumph II has developed a reputation as an excellent defensive line coach during his time at both Duke and Alabama. At Duke, he helped transform the Blue Devils’ defensive line into a formidable unit, while his work with Alabama’s elite defensive players in the past has earned him considerable respect across the football world.

Rumph’s ability to coach both interior linemen and edge rushers makes him versatile and capable of adjusting to any scheme that LSU would want to run. His recruiting success in both the ACC and SEC regions, as well as his experience coaching some of the best defensive players in college football, make him an intriguing candidate for LSU. Rumph’s defensive line expertise and strong relationships in the Southeast could benefit LSU as they continue to build one of the best programs in the nation.

10. David Turner (Defensive Line Coach, Arizona)

David Turner is an experienced defensive line coach who has had success at multiple programs, including Auburn and Michigan State. Turner is known for his work with both young talent and NFL-caliber players, and his ability to build tough, disciplined defensive lines has earned him a solid reputation in coaching circles.

Turner’s experience coaching in high-profile conferences like the SEC and Big Ten has equipped him with the knowledge and expertise needed to recruit and develop top defensive line talent. His track record of success in developing players who can excel at the next level would make him a valuable addition to LSU’s coaching staff. Turner’s understanding of the SEC’s high level of competition and his ability to build strong, physical defensive units make him a solid candidate to replace Bo Davis.