LSU Football: The Biggest Offseason Storylines for the Tigers

LSU did not end 2014 on a high note.

The Tigers were defeated 31-28 in the Music City Bowl by Notre Dame. The Fighting Irish, a team that had lost their previous four games, raked in 449 yards of total offense led mostly by new starting quarterback Malik Zaire. 

In the same week, LSU also saw defensive coordinator John Chavis bolt to Texas A&M for the same position. The Tigers had never finished lower than fourth in the SEC in scoring defense since Chavis took over in 2009.

Head coach Les Miles has a full plate this offseason. Miles led his young Tigers to a mediocre 8-5 record in 2014, which was the first time he had not won 10 games since 2009. The pressure will only build for him to return to the SEC Championship Game, something he hasn't done since 2011.

Here are the biggest offseason storylines in Baton Rouge.

Who Will Be the Next Defensive Coordinator?

Jonathan Bachman/Associated Press

Former LSU defensive coordinator John Chavis

Replacing Chavis will not be easy. His creativity and leadership helped turn the Tigers into "DBU."

Miles spent Saturday in Dallas interviewing Oklahoma defensive coordinator Mike Stoops, per Dean Blevins of News9.com. LSU has also contacted Penn State's Bob Shoop, according to The Advocate's Ross Dellenger. The Times-Picayune's Jim Kleinpeter reports former USC defensive coordinator Clancy Pendergast is the favorite, with Alabama linebacker coach Kevin Steele a close second. 

LSU defensive line coach Brick Haley is close with Chavis and could also bolt for Texas A&M, according to Shea Dixon of Geaux247. Kleinpeter reports if Pendergast is hired by the Tigers, he would bring former USC defensive line coach and Louisiana native Ed Orgeron with him to coach the defensive line. 

Miles understands the importance of finding a replacement quickly. Losing Chavis puts defensive recruits on ice. They hate the uncertainty of not knowing the direction of the LSU defense. 

LSU's defense has been fantastic under Chavis' leadership. Finding a coach as prolific as "The Chief" will be Miles' biggest task of the offseason.

Finding a Quarterback

Gerald Herbert/Associated Press

LSU quarterbacks Brandon Harris (left) and Anthony Jennings (right)

LSU fans have witnessed some deplorable quarterback play in the 10 years Miles has coached the Tigers. But it might not have ever been worse than it was this season. 

Sophomore Anthony Jennings started 12 of 13 games, eclipsing 200 passing yards only once. Jennings also completed more than 60 percent of throws in a game just once.

True freshman Brandon Harris showed flashes of brilliance against Mississippi State and New Mexico State early in the season, which led him to get his only start of the season on the road against Auburn. Yet Harris was miserable against the Tigers and was never given another chance to take back the reins of the offense from Jennings. 

Jennings and Harris' performance in 2014 does not encourage much hope for the future. Miles may look to the junior college ranks or hope for a miracle transfer who could play right away like Ohio State's Braxton Miller. LSU does have 3-star dual-threat Justin McMillan committed to the 2015 class, but he is not the caliber of player that could start right away. 

Jennings or Harris will more than likely be leading the Tigers next season. Miles and offensive coordinator Cam Cameron must develop them into better quarterbacks if the Tigers are to win the SEC West.

The 2015 Recruiting Class

The Tigers have some work to do on the recruiting trail for their 2015 class. 

LSU made a massive jump to No. 10 in the 247Sports Team Rankings after the commitment of 5-star receiver Tyron Johnson at the Under Armour All-America Game.

"

#LSU just landed Easton five-star receiver Tyron Johnson! #Tigers #nolaprep @_TBJ13 https://t.co/aX8RSgr8cD

— Julie Boudwin (@Julie_Boudwin) January 2, 2015"

Johnson's pledge to the Tigers still leaves them at only 17 commitments, which makes them the only school in the top 10 with under 21. LSU's coaching staff has its eyes set on a wide variety of prospects on both sides of the ball that could help improve the team immediately.

National signing day is less than a month away. The Tigers are notorious for finishing strong. Miles must continue that trend in 2015 as his team is going through a transition phase.

Who Will Leave Early?

USA TODAY Sports

LSU defensive back Jalen Mills intercepts a pass against Wisconsin.

LSU losing talented players early to the NFL draft has become an annual tradition in Baton Rouge. This offseason looks to be no different. 

Junior linebacker Kwon Alexander led the Tigers in tackles and was a key cog in LSU's pass defense this season. Alexander went to Twitter the day after LSU's loss to Notre Dame to declare for the NFL draft:

"

#LSU4EVER pic.twitter.com/rg8zW9KJ5C

— Alexander the Great (@Showtime17Kwon) December 31, 2014"

LSU junior cornerback Jalen Collins went to Twitter to do the same the day after, and junior safety Jalen Mills told teammates he was leaving too, per Ross Dellenger of The Advocate. Junior defensive end Danielle Hunter, junior left guard Vadal Alexander and redshirt sophomore right tackle Jerald Hawkins are still weighing their options, per Dellenger. 

The loss of Collins and Mills would destroy most secondaries, but LSU's embarrassment of riches there can survive their departure. Safeties Jamal Adams and Rickey Jefferson will return, as will cornerbacks Tre'Davious White and Dwayne Thomas. Incoming 2015 commits Kevin Toliver II and Xavier Lewis will help too. 

Hunter leaving would be a massive blow, especially considering fellow starting defensive end Jermauria Rasco was a senior. Losing both Alexander and Hawkins on the offensive line would make things much tougher on Miles, as senior left tackle La'el Collins and center Elliott Porter will be gone. 

Redshirt sophomore receiver Travin Dural told WBRZ's Michael Cauble in December he is coming back. Hopefully for Miles, more Tigers do the same.  

Update: Chris Price of WBRZ reports Hunter will make the jump to the NFL: 

"

LSU defensive end Danielle Hunter says in a text message he'll move on to the NFL: "I'm not going back to LSU" #Tigers @WBRZ

— Chris Price (@cpricesports) January 5, 2015"

Hunter denied this claim, per LSU Sports Information Director Michael Bonnette

"

Just spoke to #LSU Danielle Hunter. He told me he hasn't talked to anyone in media about his decision to either return to LSU or go pro.

— Michael Bonnette (@LSUBonnette) January 5, 2015"

Stats, rankings and additional information provided by cfbstats.com,ESPN.com and LSU Sports Information. Recruiting information provided by247Sports.

Quotes were obtained firsthand unless otherwise noted. Follow me on Twitter @CarterthePower.