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Report: LSU Hires Matt Canada As New Offensive Coordinator
Matt Canada has been hired as the new offensive coordinator at LSU, and the pressure to rebuild the Tigers’ offense starts now.
December 14, 2016
Matt Canada has been hired as the new offensive coordinator at LSU, and the pressure to rebuild the Tigers’ offense starts now.
Congratulations, Matt Canada. You are the new offensive coordinator for the LSU Tigers, per Sports Illustrated. Now, get to work turning around an offense that has been inconsistent for the past several seasons.
New head coach Ed Orgeron promised that he would bring in one of the best offensive coordinators in the nation during his interview for the position, and despite missing out on the hot name in Lane Kiffin, he might have found a gem in Canada.
The 44-year-old Canada, who spent the last season in the same position at Pittsburgh, helped turn the Panthers into an explosive offense that balanced the rushing and passing games and presented a serious downfield threat. Pittsburgh finished No. 10 in scoring offense, averaging 42.3 points per game, more than 14 points more than in 2015.
The problems that Canada faces at LSU are well known, starting with the quarterback quandary. Despite all of the talent that has come through Baton Rouge, not since Zach Mettenberger graduated in 2013 has the player under center been dependable. Just this season, a supposedly ready for primetime Brandon Harris lost his job after three games, and his backup Danny Etling did little to inspire much confidence either.
Other pieces for the offense are there, including running back Derrius Guice, who rushed for 1,249 yards and 14 touchdowns in place of Leonard Fournette, who was injured for half of the season and will enter the NFL Draft.
The defense will be solid, as usual, with coordinator Dave Aranda staying on staff and becoming the highest paid assistant in the nation.
It all comes down to what Canada can generate on offense. The Tigers’ Achilles heel has been on that side of the ball, and is one of the main reasons that former head coach Les Miles got fired in September along with his offensive coordinator Cam Cameron.
LSU fans will expect quick results, and early perceptions of Orgeron’s tenure will be tied to how well the offense produces.
Welcome to life in the SEC, Coach Canada. The pressure starts now.
MORE: LSU, Ed Orgeron Cannot Afford To Miss On New Offensive Coordinator Hire
