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LSU Quarterbacks Coach and Offensive Coordinator JOE SLOAN has reportedly turned down a $2 jaw-dropping offer from the Texas A&M.

 

In a bold and telling move that reinforces LSU’s growing dominance and culture of continuity, Tigers quarterbacks coach and offensive coordinator Joe Sloan has reportedly turned down a massive $2 million per year offer from Texas A&M to remain in Baton Rouge. The offer, one of the most aggressive coordinator bids in recent college football memory, underscores just how coveted Sloan has become—but even more significantly, it highlights the loyalty and forward momentum within the LSU program under head coach Brian Kelly.

According to multiple high-level sources close to the situation, Texas A&M pursued Sloan with relentless urgency this offseason, seeking to make him the new offensive architect under head coach Mike Elko. The Aggies, looking to revamp a struggling offense and compete more seriously in the loaded SEC, reportedly offered Sloan a package that included $2 million annually, full play-calling autonomy, and extensive resources to shape the offensive staff.

But despite the prestige and financial temptation, Sloan ultimately declined.

Instead, the 37-year-old rising star chose to continue building his legacy at LSU, where he has played a central role in shaping one of the most exciting and productive offenses in college football. His decision sends a clear message: LSU isn’t just a stepping-stone—it’s a destination.

“It’s about more than a paycheck,” said a source close to Sloan. “It’s about trust, alignment, and what he’s building with Brian Kelly and the players in that quarterback room. Joe believes they’re on the cusp of something special.”

If Joe Sloan’s name wasn’t familiar to casual fans two years ago, it certainly is now.

Since arriving at LSU in 2022 from Louisiana Tech, where he served as offensive coordinator and QBs coach, Sloan has been instrumental in the development of star quarterbacks and the transformation of LSU’s offense into an explosive unit. His fingerprints were all over the success of Jayden Daniels, who blossomed into a Heisman Trophy winner under his guidance.

Sloan’s quarterback development acumen, innovative schemes, and high-energy approach have made him one of the hottest names in the coaching ranks. Several schools have tried to lure him away—including recent interest from the NFL—but none have succeeded. His loyalty to LSU has become one of the defining traits of Kelly’s core staff.

Texas A&M’s pursuit was far from casual. After parting ways with their previous offensive leadership, Elko and his staff were looking for a modern, quarterback-friendly mind to spark their offense. Sloan fit the bill perfectly.

Their offer was reportedly structured to rival even some head coaching salaries at mid-level FBS schools. Beyond the salary, the Aggies promised full creative control of the offense, elite NIL backing, and a blank check to build an elite quarterback room.

But LSU countered—not necessarily dollar for dollar, but with something more powerful: stability, talent, and trust.

Sources close to Sloan said his relationship with Brian Kelly and offensive staff continuity were key reasons for his decision. In particular, Sloan’s role in developing LSU’s current quarterback room—headlined by elite talents like Garrett Nussmeier and incoming five-star freshman Tavien Griggs—was viewed as unfinished business.

Sloan staying in Baton Rouge is more than a coaching retention win—it’s a massive victory for continuity, recruiting, and player development. Here’s what it signals:

  • Quarterback Development: LSU’s QB pipeline remains in great hands. Nussmeier, who is poised for a breakout 2025 season, has been mentored by Sloan for years. The continuity between coordinator and quarterback will be invaluable as LSU pushes for a playoff berth.
  • Recruiting Impact: Sloan’s decision also stabilizes LSU’s stronghold on elite QB recruits. His return will likely help seal commitments from current targets in the 2026 and 2027 classes, as many young QBs see Sloan as a trusted developer and communicator.
  • Staff Stability: In an era of rapid coaching turnover, LSU is quietly becoming one of the more stable and aligned operations in the SEC. Brian Kelly’s ability to retain rising assistants like Sloan speaks volumes about his leadership and vision.
  • Momentum Heading into 2025: The Tigers are already stacked with offensive talent at wide receiver, tight end, and along the offensive line. Keeping Sloan ensures the offensive identity will remain intact—and lethal.

The mood inside the LSU locker room after the news broke was reportedly electric. Several players took to social media to celebrate the decision, with Nussmeier posting a simple tiger emoji followed by the words “We not done yet.”

One player reportedly told staffers, “We need Coach Sloan. He’s our guy. This means everything.”

Sloan is known for his player-first mentality, his constant energy, and his transparent communication style. That trust goes both ways, and this decision will only deepen the buy-in from LSU’s current roster.

LSU’s ability to retain a coordinator targeted with a $2 million offer sends a message to the rest of the SEC—and to college football at large. The Tigers are no longer just rebuilding; they’re recruiting at an elite level, retaining top-tier staff, and building the kind of program culture that can win championships consistently.

Texas A&M, on the other hand, will have to pivot quickly. Missing on Sloan delays their ability to implement a new offensive identity, and the optics of a declined mega-offer could cast doubt on their coaching stability heading into 2025.

Joe Sloan’s star continues to rise. While his decision to stay puts LSU in a fantastic position for 2025 and beyond, it’s inevitable that his name will be connected to head coaching jobs soon—potentially even as early as next offseason.

But for now, he remains locked in on the mission in Baton Rouge: to win the SEC, make a serious playoff push, and help mold the next great LSU quarterback

In an era where the biggest paycheck often dictates movement, Joe Sloan’s loyalty to LSU speaks volumes. It’s a cultural win. A football win. And a sign that the Tigers are building something sustainable.

For Texas A&M, it’s back to the drawing board.

For LSU, the message is clear: we’re keeping our stars, on the field and on the sidelines.

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