LSU Announces Jerry Sullivan as Passing Game Coordinator

In addition to today’s introduction of Steve Ensminger as LSU’s next offensive coordinator, the program made things official with Jerry Sullivan joining the coaching staff as senior offensive assistant and passing game coordinator:

“We are proud to announce Jerry Sullivan as our senior offensive assistant and passing game coordinator at LSU,” Orgeron said. “Jerry is widely known in the NFL and college football as one of the great teachers of the passing game. He will be a great asset to our staff.”

Sullivan, a native of Miami and a graduate of Florida State, spent 21 years in the college ranks before joining the San Diego Chargers in the NFL. Sullivan worked with six NFL franchises during his pro career, most recently finishing a five-year stint with the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2016.

Sullivan was part of a San Diego staff that helped lead the Chargers to the Super Bowl in 1994, in what was his third year in the NFL.

At LSU from 1984-90, Sullivan helped develop Wendell Davis into a two-time All-American and a record-setting receiver for the Tigers. Under Sullivan’s tutelage, Davis set LSU records for receptions in a game (14 vs. Ole Miss, 1986), receptions in a season (80 in 1986) and career (183), receiving yards in season (1,244 in 1986) and career (2,708).

“Coach Sullivan is by far one of the best coaches and teachers at the wide receiver position that I have ever been coached by,” Davis said. “He was not only my coach, but he was also a mentor and a father-figure to me.

“He’s a great teacher and he does a great job of relating to the players. He does a great job of explaining the role of the receiver and how it fits in with the offense. He’s a very strong technician. He really teaches the basic fundamentals of the position. I’m excited to see that he’s back at LSU. He’s going to be a great asset for the LSU coaching staff.”

As previously discussed, Sullivan has a tremendous reputation as a teacher of wide receivers. Granted, at 73 years old, it is fair to question how active he can be in recruiting. I’m also told he has a strong eye for film and game-planning as well.

In regards to the specificity of his role, this piece from Ross Dellenger indicates that Sullivan will work with outside receivers, while current receivers coach Mickey Joseph works with inside/slot receivers.