LSU Hires Bo Pelini as Next Defensive Coordinator

LSU has hired Youngstown State head coach Bo Pelini as its next defensive coordinator, the team announced Monday.

Pelini will reportedly receive a three-year deal that will pay him around $2.3 million per year, according to Sports Illustrated's Ross Dellenger.

The Tigers started their search for a new defensive coordinator this month after Dave Aranda left to become Baylor's head coach.

Pelini previously served as LSU's defensive coordinator from 2005-07 under head coach Les Miles. During his final season with the team, the Tigers won the BCS national championship over Ohio State.

"We are privileged to have one of the top defensive coordinators in all of football in Bo Pelini join our staff," head coach Ed Orgeron said in a statement. "Bo has had some of the best defenses in football during his career and we are looking forward to him bringing his tremendous amount of knowledge and expertise back to LSU to continue to win championships."

Pelini left LSU to become the head coach of Nebraska, where he compiled a 66–27 record over seven seasons. The Cornhuskers had six straight bowl appearances and reached the Big Ten championship game in 2012 under him. After Pelini was fired from Nebraska in 2014, Youngstown State hired him as its head coach.

Over the past five seasons, he's guided Youngstown State to a 33–28 record.

Pelini has also worked as an assistant coach in the NFL with the 49ers, Patriots and Packers.

"The opportunity to return to LSU is truly unique," Pelini said. "Culturally, with my prior experience at LSU, I know it is a great fit for me. The chance to work with Coach Orgeron, the ability to take charge of the Tigers defense, is something that I'm extremely excited about. All of that in a place that both my family and I immensely enjoyed when we were there before is very exciting for us. "