Tigers name Jake Peetz Offensive Coordinator

Ed Orgeron has locked in his coaching staff on one side of the ball, announcing Jake Peetz as offensive coordinator and DJ Mangas as passing game coordinator. The two new hires, both currently on the Carolina Panthers coaching staff, will replace Steve Ensminger and Scott Linehan, respectively.

The decision comes after heavy input from Joe Brady who worked closely with Orgeron and Derek Ponamsky.

Peetz has spent the last season as the Panthers quarterback coach and running backs coach before that. His resume is littered with assistant roles ranging from Alabama and UCLA in the college ranks to Oakland, Washington and Jacksonville in the NFL. Peetz biggest success is arguably his work with Christian McCaffrey in 2019, when McCaffrey had 2,000 plus yards from scrimmage. It also speaks highly of Peetz that he was retained after Matt Rhule took over in 2020.

New passing game coordinator Mangas served as an LSU analyst in 2019. He was one of the chief hires made by Brady when he was first brought on. Mangas may also prove valuable in re-recruiting Arik Gilbert back to the Tigers.

Both hires are clearly in line with Orgeron’s goal to get a younger coaching staff. However, Peetz has no experience, on the collage or pro level, calling plays. Still, given Brady’s success at LSU, his endorsement is valuable.

Current LSU staffer Russ Callaway was thought to be one of the top candidates to fill one of the two vacancies filled by Mangas and Peetz. Callaway is still being considered for an on-field coaching roll. Per the LSU press release, Peetz is not listed as being the quarterbacks coach in addition to his coordinator position meaning Callaway could be named as the positional coach.

With the offensive staff solidified Orgeron will now focus on naming a defensive coordinator. In an interview on Off The Bench, Orgeron was hoping to have his coaching staff filled by the weekend but is okay with the search lasting longer.