LSU completes defensive overhaul by hiring Missouri staffer as new safeties coach
LSU has finalized its defensive coaching staff overhaul, with the recent appointment of Jake Olsen as the new safeties coach, working alongside Corey Raymond, who holds the title of “secondary coach.” The restructuring followed the removal of four defensive coaches, including former safeties coach Kerry Cooks, after a challenging 10-3 season.
Report: Missouri staffer Jake Olsen is expected to be named #LSU's new safety coach.
Brian Kelly's new defensive staff is complete. https://t.co/ObL0BuJQPa pic.twitter.com/YelbuCUvIN
— TigerDroppings (@TigerDroppings) January 18, 2024
Jake Olsen, formerly a defensive analyst at Missouri, assumed the role of safeties coach. His contract terms, along with those of Corey Raymond and edge rushers coach Kevin Peoples, are currently undisclosed. Olsen had previously served as a defensive analyst at LSU in 2021, overlapping with new defensive coordinator Blake Baker.
LSU has added three coaches from Missouri, including Baker, Peoples, and Olsen. Olsen, a North Dakota native, has prior coaching experience in Louisiana, having worked at Nicholls, UL-Monroe, and Northwestern State before joining LSU in 2021 and later moving to Missouri with Baker.
Brian Kelly, LSU’s head coach, expressed confidence in Olsen’s abilities, describing him as a “young and hungry coach with an elite defensive mind.” The coaching changes were prompted by LSU’s defensive struggles, ranking 108th nationally in yards allowed per game during the previous season.
The defensive staff now includes familiar faces with Louisiana ties, such as Baker, Raymond, and Olsen. Corey Raymond, a former LSU player, returns after a two-year stint at Florida, bringing extensive knowledge and experience in coaching defensive backs.
With the defensive staff finalized, LSU still needs to fill key positions on the offensive side, including an offensive coordinator and tight ends coach. The roles were vacated by Mike Denbrock, who left for Notre Dame. Quarterbacks coach Joe Sloan and wide receivers coach Cortez Hankton served as co-offensive coordinators in the ReliaQuest Bowl, but no official hire has been announced. Additionally, a special teams coordinator needs to be named, as the role was previously handled by Bob Diaco, who remains on LSU’s staff but may see changes in responsibilities.