LSU DC Search: Latest Rumors and Buzz Surrounding Vacant Position

The LSU Tigers were in search of a new defensive coordinator after John Chavis left to take the same position at Texas A&M. On Tuesday, the Tigers hired Alabama's Kevin Steele to take the position. 

Continue for updates.

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Steele Hired By LSU

Tuesday, Jan. 13

LSU has confirmed that Alabama linebackers coach Kevin Steele has been hired as their next defensive coordinator:

Steele went to Alabama after being replaced as Clemson's defensive coordinator in 2012. In his last game with the Tigers and his last game as defensive coordinator, West Virginia put up 70 points on his defense. But Steele is considered a strong recruiter who has also coached in Baton Rogue before, spending the 2004 season as a secondary coach under then coach Nick Saban.

Now Steele inherits a top 10 defense with high expectations heading into the 2015 season. 

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LSU Searches For New Defensive Coordinator 

Monday, Jan. 12

As LSU's search to replace departed defensive coordinator John Chavis continues, it appears the Tigers are looking to take a bite out of their most bitter rival.    

Ross Dellenger and Scott Rabalais of The Advocate reported Monday that university officials have been in contact with Alabama defensive coordinator Kirby Smart and longtime NFL assistant Mel Tucker about their vacancy. Neither man is considered a favorite for the position nor has there been any indication of interest, though The Advocate did note they've been in touch through intermediaries.

Smart, 39, just finished his seventh season as Nick Saban's defensive coordinator. One of the nation's most respected assistant coaches, it'd be a mild surprise to see him leave Alabama for another coordinator position. Smart has been working under Saban for most of the last decade, following him from stops at LSU to the NFL's Miami Dolphins to Alabama.

More than anything, interest from LSU might convince Alabama to offer Smart a salary raise. He is already the nation's second-highest paid coordinator after signing a new deal in 2013, but the Tide football program is far from lacking in cash. LSU can't offer much in terms of a job change with Les Miles having a Saban-esque presence in Baton Rouge, so don't expect this to go much further.

Brian Kersey/Getty Images

Tucker, a former LSU defensive backs coach, has spent the last seven seasons as an NFL defensive coordinator. He was with the Chicago Bears the last two seasons under recently deposed head coach Marc Trestman. Though still technically under contract, Tucker is not expected back in 2015.

LSU has had no trouble pulling coordinators from the professional ranks in recent years, as offensive coordinator Cam Cameron came over after years on an NFL sideline. The Tigers are looking for a replacement after Chavis, who served as the linebackers coach and defensive coordinator for the last six seasons, left for a similar position at Texas A&M.   

Chavis' $1.67 million salary would make him the highest-paid coordinator in college football, barring a raise elsewhere before next season.

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