LSU is retooling its offensive staff after a disappointing 2020 season. Offensive coordinator Steve Ensminger retired from on-field coach and passing game coordinator Scott Linehan left the staff.
We're told the interview process is ongoing, but industry sources tell FootballScoop Ed Orgeron isn't expected to allow one man to leave the building.
Sources tell FootballScoop Russ Callaway is expected to be promoted to a full-time coaching position, potentially quarterbacks coach depending on who else Orgeron decides to bring in.
Callaway joined LSU's staff prior to this past season, serving as an offensive analyst. He previously served as the offensive coordinator at Samford under head coach Chris Hatcher.
The 2018 Samford offense led FCS with 392.7 passing yards per game, and quarterback Devlin Hodges won the Walter Payton Award, the subdivision's equivalent to the Heisman.
“Russ had a great experience at Samford, was an outstanding coordinator, did a lot of good things,” Ed Orgeron told AL.com in September. “But he’s hungry. He’s been to big-time schools. I didn’t know how good he was, to be honest with you, until we got him. And his enthusiasm is infectious. He’s an outstanding coach and taught well by his dad and learned well. I do believe the guy’s going to be a coordinator and a head coach, and it won’t be long because he’s one of those type minds. He’s a great worker. He’s here at 5 every morning working with Coach Ensminger. Has a bright future ahead for him.”
The son of former UAB head coach Neil Callaway, Russ has previous SEC experience as a linebackers GA at Alabama in 2011 and also served as the wide receivers coach and recruiting coordinator at Murray State.
Yesterday we shared LSU is bringing Austin Thomas back to the staff.
A complete defensive staff makeover is underway as well. More is expected to play out on this front in the coming days.
As always, stay tuned to The Scoop for the latest.