After a 12 year drought, the LSU Tigers have taken home their fourth National Championship trophy.
The trophy was won in New Orleans on Monday, Jan. 13. The Tigers, led by head coach Ed Orgeron, defeated the Clemson Tigers 42-25. Orgeron led the Tigers to their first 15 win season.
The 2019-2020 Tigers set a record for the most top-10 teams beaten in one season with seven.
Soon after the championship, the Tigers took some unfortunate player and coaching departures.
Defensive Coordinator Dave Aranda was hired as the head coach of the Baylor Bears. He spent four years with the Tigers. Aranda’s leadership kept the LSU defensive amongst the best in the country throughout his tenure.
Quarterback coach and passing game coordinator Joe Brady also departed from the Tigers to be the offensive coordinator for the Carolina Panthers. The 30-year-old had been with the Tigers for only one season, but has been credited with co-creating the deadly passing attack that might have been the best in college football history.
As for the players, the Tigers will be losing nine out of 22 starters this season to either graduation or the NFL Draft.
The most notable player leaving, by far, is Heisman Trophy winner Joe Burrow. The Tigers will also lose RB Clyde Edwards-Helaire, WR Justin Jefferson, CB Grant Delpit, OLB K’Lavon Chaisson and more.
So with all of these departing assets, can the Tigers compete for a 2020 National Championship?
The player and coach departures have made thoughts of a dynasty just slightly more difficult to attain. One of the most troubling blows to Tiger fans has been Brady’s departure. His genius will be missed, however, is not critical.
It is important to remember that the LSU offensive attack was co-crafted by both Brady and Offensive Coordinator Steve Ensminger. Though not having the genius of Brady around will hurt the Tigers, it will likely not be a dagger in future playoff hopes.
Aranda’s departure leaves Orgeron and athletic director Scott Woodard with a challenge in finding his replacement. LSU’s defense has been amongst the top of the SEC since the turn of the century. A strong, well-experienced DC hire will keep the defense, and its few returning stars, on track for an excellent 2020.
Though Brady and Aranda have departed, both Ensminger and Orgeron will be around for 2020. Ensminger has one more year remaining on his contract, and Orgeron recently signed a six year, 42 million dollar extension.
The 2020 season will showcase some new faces for the Tigers, including some that could potentially carry the team to another playoff.
The starting quarterback will most likely be Myles Brennan, who has been patiently waiting behind Joe Burrow for two years. Brennan has always been an option for Orgeron, in fact, he almost beat out Burrow as a true sophomore two seasons ago. The redshirt-sophomore will finally get his shot in 2020.
Standout All-American cornerback Derek Stingley will be returning for his sophomore season. WR Jamar Chase, WR Terrance Marshall, and SS Jacoby Stevens, who all greatly added to the team’s success this season, will also be returning in 2020.
