LSU Tigers Defense Has Struggled for Years: A Deep Dive Into the Ongoing Issues and What Must Be Done to Fix Them
The LSU Tigers, a program historically known for producing top-tier defensive talent and championship-caliber performances, have found themselves in a puzzling and frustrating position over the past several years. Once feared across the SEC and the nation for their suffocating defense, the Tigers have instead become known for defensive inconsistencies, coaching turnover, and systemic underperformance. The fan base, media, and analysts have repeatedly circled back to one burning question: What happened to the LSU defense?
To understand the unraveling of what was once a defensive powerhouse, we must first examine the legacy that LSU built on that side of the ball. From legends like Patrick Peterson, Tyrann Mathieu, and Devin White to dominant defensive fronts that routinely sent linemen to the NFL, the Tigers boasted one of the most consistent pipelines for defensive excellence. Under coaches like Nick Saban and Les Miles, LSU’s identity was deeply rooted in a “DBU” (Defensive Back University) mentality—shutting down passing attacks, generating turnovers, and playing fundamentally sound, high-pressure football.
However, things began to change following the Tigers’ magical 2019 national championship season. That year, while the offense dominated headlines with Joe Burrow’s historic Heisman campaign, the defense, led by coordinator Dave Aranda, was no slouch. Aranda’s units had a reputation for being adaptable and intelligent, always capable of making second-half adjustments and stifling opposing schemes. After Aranda departed for Baylor, the program’s ability to maintain that defensive identity began to wane.
Bo Pelini’s return in 2020 was supposed to be a stabilizing hire—an experienced coach familiar with the program. Instead, it turned into a disaster. The Tigers’ defense was historically bad, allowing an average of over 34 points per game and finishing near the bottom of the SEC in most defensive categories. The inability to adjust to modern offensive schemes, breakdowns in coverage, poor tackling, and a lack of communication plagued the unit all season long. Pelini’s system seemed outdated and misaligned with the players’ strengths, and his tenure lasted only one season.
But Pelini’s exit did not mark a return to normalcy. Instead, the defensive coordinator position turned into a revolving door, with no hire able to fully fix the issues. Daronte Jones, hired in 2021, brought some optimism, especially in the second half of the season when the defense began to show signs of life. Still, inconsistencies remained, especially against high-powered offenses. In 2022 and 2023, under Brian Kelly’s tenure and coordinator Matt House, many fans hoped for a return to the physical, disciplined style of play that once defined LSU. But those hopes were largely unmet.
In 2023, the Tigers’ defensive performance was one of the key reasons they failed to meet lofty preseason expectations. Despite having one of the most explosive offenses in the country—led by Heisman winner Jayden Daniels—the defense consistently allowed opponents to stay in games and rack up yardage at will. LSU gave up 40 or more points in four games, including critical matchups against Ole Miss and Alabama, which effectively eliminated them from playoff contention. The defense was particularly vulnerable in third-down situations and red zone efficiency, both of which are crucial metrics for championship-level teams.
One of the most alarming aspects of LSU’s defensive woes has been the lack of player development, particularly in the secondary. Once a hallmark of the program, the defensive backfield has looked lost in coverage, often struggling with basic assignments and lacking the technique that previously defined DBU. Injuries and transfers have certainly played a role, but the broader issue appears to be systemic. Whether it’s a failure in talent evaluation, coaching, or schematic fit, the result has been a defensive unit that can’t consistently get stops when it matters most.
Recruiting has also been a double-edged sword. While LSU continues to attract high-level talent, especially from Louisiana and neighboring states, the translation from high school star to college standout has been inconsistent. Linebacker play, for example, has been particularly erratic. While the Tigers have landed blue-chip prospects at the position, those players haven’t always developed into reliable contributors. This has left the unit vulnerable to both the run and the pass, and opponents have repeatedly exploited this weakness.
The transfer portal, while offering short-term solutions, has added to the instability. Relying on transfers to patch up holes in the roster has often resulted in a lack of cohesion and chemistry. While individual talent is present, defenses require continuity and communication—especially in today’s game, where offenses are faster and more complex than ever. Year after year, the Tigers seem to be resetting their defensive identity instead of building upon a strong foundation.
Another issue has been the inability to pressure the quarterback consistently. LSU once prided itself on dominant pass rushers—players like Marcus Spears, Barkevious Mingo, and Arden Key. In recent years, however, the Tigers have struggled to generate pressure without blitzing. And when they do bring extra rushers, it has often exposed a secondary that isn’t equipped to cover man-to-man without safety help. The lack of a dominant defensive line has made it difficult to control the line of scrimmage, a fatal flaw in the SEC where games are often won in the trenches.
The coaching staff’s role in this decline cannot be overlooked. Communication breakdowns on the field often reflect poor preparation or unclear responsibilities. Several times in the last few seasons, players have appeared confused pre-snap, out of position, or simply unaware of their assignments. These mental errors point to deeper coaching and schematic issues. Defensive coordinators have rotated through without much continuity, and that lack of stability has been evident in the on-field product.
Brian Kelly, brought in with the expectation of restoring LSU’s program-wide discipline and organization, has had mixed success on defense. While he has elevated the offensive side of the ball to elite status, his defensive hires have not yielded the same results. The fan base, which has shown patience in the face of a rebuild, is beginning to question whether Kelly’s vision for defense aligns with what LSU needs to compete at the highest level.
So where does LSU go from here?
First and foremost, a long-term solution at defensive coordinator is crucial. The Tigers need a coach who not only brings a modern and aggressive scheme but also emphasizes fundamentals, accountability, and player development. This person must be able to maximize existing talent, build a sustainable culture, and recruit with a clear vision for the future. Continuity at the coordinator position would allow for the implementation of a system that players can grow in over multiple years.
Second, LSU must get back to developing its talent at a high level. The foundation of elite college defenses isn’t just about five-star recruits—it’s about turning those athletes into disciplined, smart, and technically sound players. That process starts in the weight room, in film study, and in practice. LSU must re-establish a culture where defense is not only emphasized but expected to perform at a championship standard.
Third, the program must be more strategic in its use of the transfer portal. While it can be a valuable tool, LSU must prioritize building depth through recruiting and development. A defense held together by stopgap transfers may occasionally produce results, but it rarely leads to long-term success. Building a cohesive unit that understands the scheme and plays for each other requires time and investment in the right players.
Finally, accountability must become a central tenet of the defensive identity. The best defenses in college football are those where players hold each other to a high standard, where miscommunications are rare, and where every snap is played with intensity and purpose. LSU has the talent and the resources to return to that level, but it will require a cultural shift that starts at the top.
The LSU Tigers have all the ingredients necessary to rebuild their defense into a dominant force once again. But for that to happen, there must be an honest assessment of the mistakes made over the past several years, a commitment to long-term development, and a clear vision for what LSU defense should be. Until then, the narrative surrounding LSU football will continue to be clouded by what has become a perennial disappointment on the defensive side of the ball.
