Fansided

Matt Canada hired as LSU’s new offensive coordinator

By Brad Berreman

Nov 26, 2016; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Panthers offensive coordinator Matt Canada looks on during warm-ups before the Panthers host the Syracuse Orange at Heinz Field. Pittsburgh won 76-61. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 26, 2016; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Panthers offensive coordinator Matt Canada looks on during warm-ups before the Panthers host the Syracuse Orange at Heinz Field. Pittsburgh won 76-61. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /
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After Lane Kiffin landed a head coaching job, LSU head coach Ed Orgeron has hired Matt Canada as his offensive coordinator.

When Ed Orgeron had the interim tag removed from his title as LSU head coach, Alabama offensive coordinator Lane Kiffin was immediately a candidate to take the same job in Baton Rouge. But Kiffin was recently hired as head coach at Florida Atlantic, and Orgeron’s vetting of offensive coordinator candidates has landed him on Matt Canada.

Canada spent this season as offensive coordinator at Pitt, leading dramatic improvements across the board from 2015 with the 10th-best scoring offense in the country (42.3 points per game). A 76-point outburst against Syracuse in the regular season finale stands out in particular, and Canada was a finalist for the Broyles award, given each year to the country’s top assistant coach.

Prior to going to Pitt, Canada was offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach at N.C. State (2013-2015), Wisconsin (2012), Northern Illinois (2011, 2003) and Indiana (2007-2010). He helped shape quarterback Jacoby Brissett into an NFL prospect while at N.C. State, and Chandler Harnish was a notable dual threat (1,379 rushing yards) at Northern Illinois in 2011 .

LSU’s old-school, conservative offense was a continual source of criticism when Les Miles was head coach. Orgeron has conveyed a desire to modernize by going to a spread-based system, and Canada can make that happen.

LSU’s biggest question mark has continually been under center, with Purdue transfer Danny Etling starting most of this season and throwing just nine touchdown passes. Brandon Harris may get a renewed opportunity under Canada, and his athletic ability should be maximized. Justin McMillan and Lindsey Scott may also get long looks in spring practice, in what should be a wide open competition for the starting job.

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Running back Leonard Fournette is leaving for the NFL, but Derrius Guice has been a capable fill-in this year and will step into a starting role next season. Wide receiver Malachi Dupre is also a top-talent, and if he comes back to school he should also benefit from a more wide-open offense. Canada should bring an more imaginative and balanced offensive approach to LSU, and even though he’s not a big name nationally that automatically makes him a great hire.

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