Report: LSU has been in contact with Kirby Smart, Mel Tucker
LSU has been in contact with Alabama defensive coordinator Kirby Smart and Chicago Bears defensive coordinator Mel Tucker about the Tigers' opening at defensive coordinator, according to a report from The Advocate.
Tucker is not expected to remain a member of the Bears' staff after the team dismissed coach Marc Trestman and general manager Phil Emery in late December. The 43-year-old served as LSU's defensive backs coach in 2000 and has also had stops at Ohio State and multiple NFL teams.
Smart has served as Alabama's defensive coordinator since 2008. The Crimson Tide led the SEC in total defense in every season from 2009 to 2013 and finished third this season. Smart, who has been rumored as a candidate for multiple head coach positions, made $1.35 million in 2014, according to a USA Today database.
The report notes that it's not clear whether Smart and Tucker are serious candidates and that the coaches have spoken with LSU representatives "at least through intermediaries."
LSU is searching for a replacement for John Chavis, who left to becomeTexas A&M's defensive coordinator. The Tigers finished 8-5 this season and ranked first in the SEC in total defense.
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