Feb. 13, 2026, 7:12 p.m. ET
The LSU Tigers‘ defense was strong last season, ranking 23rd in points allowed and 42nd against the pass. Despite a new regime coming in with former Ole Miss head coach Lane Kiffin being hired as the Tigers’ head coach, safeties coach Jake Olsen was presumably staying on after an improved second season as an assistant coach.
That belief appears to be dashed, as Olsen is expected to be hired by the Washington Commanders, per CBS Sports’ Matt Zenitz. It’s currently unclear what his role with the Commanders will be.
Olsen is considered to be a rising star in the coaching ranks, as he’s ascended from working as an assistant at his alma mater, Valley City State, to coaching in the NFL in the span of 12 years with stops at Nicholls State, Louisiana-Monroe, Northwestern State and Missouri. His two-year stint as the safeties coach at LSU was his second time with the program, as he was a defensive analyst and coached the linebackers in 2021.
Olsen was a trusted member of defensive coordinator Blake Baker’s staff at Missouri, as he was then hired at LSU after Baker’s hiring.
Meanwhile, Washington is undergoing an overhaul on the defensive coaching staff, as defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr. was fired after finishing 27th in points allowed per game in 2025, a significant reason for their 5-12 record.
Need a news break? Check out the all new PLAY hub with puzzles, games and more!
Daronte Jones was fired to replace Whitt, who is now expected to hire Olsen to aid the Commandeers on the defensive side of the ball.
Contact/Follow@College_Wire on X and@College_Wires on Threads. Like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of college sports news, notes, and opinions.Â