Comparing Napier & Aranda: I'd take Aranda over Napier easily. But I see a lot of "Little engine that could" LSU fans love them some Napier. Napier is the taking radio heads favorite. It's fun pulling for the underdog sometimes, I get it. He's cheap, easy to get & he's 'just down the road'. Napier was Dabo Swinney's OC for 2 seasons (2009 & 2010) before being fired & then Clemson made it big. He did coach WRs for Saban for 3 seasons (2013-2016). Aranda is a former National Championship DC. His current recruiting ranking at Baylor is at #33, Napier is at #71. I don't know if that's fair comparison, but neither Baylor or ULL is a recruiting mecca, never has been. EX. Art Briles last 2 recruiting classes at Baylor were ranked #25 & #36. Matt Rhule #27 & #40. But honestly, not worried about Louisiana recruits, think both would do well. But OOS, Aranda has a big advantage imo, because recruits see him as a great defensive teacher & is a bigger name in College football. They're not wrong. Plus his Offense is ranked #14 in the country. I suspect we will likely pass on Aranda & he'll land a good job elsewhere in the SEC maybe this year or next. If he does come to the SEC, I think Aranda will be the best pure Defensive minded coach behind only Saban. DC Dan Lanning at Georgia is benefitting greatly from Kirby Smart's recruiting. This week's games: Baylor vs Texas, which Aranda should lose due to Texas having better athletes at Flagship U. ULL vs. 2-5 Texas State, which Napier should win easily. Honestly, I'd be happy with either one, but I give the edge in general football strategy to Aranda.
I think I’d pick Aranda. Seeing him succeed elsewhere in the sec would be murder, especially if our hire is a dud.
I can see Aranda and Tucker in the NFL. More schools gonna find it is harder to keep players vs get them, the guy that best/fastest figures out TP strategy and NIL wins, I think that is BN for LSU.
Dabo is not leaving Clemson for LSU or Bama. He has an easy path to the Playoffs every year in the ACC and I have never ever heard him say "bama is his dream job." The fans and administration and city of Clemson love him. Hes not going anywhere any time soon
I think aranda is a great defensive coach but i dont think he can recruit on the sec level. it is not his thing. I think right now there is a void of good fits for the LSU job. The SEC needs a big name and a great cooach, Not sure the field has any of those in it at this time.
