LSU Football Considers Firing Offensive Coordinator Joe Sloan After Texas A&M Defeat

LSU football faced a significant setback in its recent game against Texas A&M, losing 49-25 on Saturday. Despite leading at halftime, the Tigers suffered a defeat at home for the first time to the Aggies since 1994. The second half saw LSU score only once, with Michael Van Buren connecting with Kyle Parker for a late touchdown.

Offensive Struggles Spotlight Joe Sloan’s Future

The second half of the game saw LSU underperform dramatically. The team managed only 14 points and achieved a mere single first down in the critical third quarter. This performance has led to discussions surrounding the potential firing of offensive coordinator Joe Sloan.

Season Performance Analysis

Throughout the season, LSU’s offense has struggled to maintain efficiency. While the Tigers showed signs of improvement in their prior match against Vanderbilt, significant issues resurfaced against Texas A&M. The team’s inability to execute effectively within their own territory has raised alarms.

• First-half success came from a strong run game.
• Harlem Berry and Caden Durham averaged over six yards per carry.
• Combined, they received only 14 touches during the game.

Moreover, mismanagement in red zone opportunities further hampered LSU’s offensive showing, contributing to the questioning of Sloan’s job security. With a bye week approaching, it presents LSU with a crucial moment to consider changes, particularly before their next challenge against Alabama, a top-five team.

Kelly’s Response and Next Steps

LSU head coach Brian Kelly expressed disappointment in the team’s offensive performance. “We were not effective enough offensively to sustain any kind of a rhythm,” he stated after the game. While specific changes were not detailed, Kelly indicated the necessity for evaluations across the board. “This is much more about the football end of things, and that involves making those decisions that will allow this football team to play at a higher level,” he explained.

Possible Interim Coordinators

If the decision to fire Joe Sloan is made, run game coordinator Alex Atkins may be tapped to step in. Atkins brings prior coordinator experience from Florida State and Charlotte, positioning him as a suitable candidate for overseeing LSU’s offense moving forward.