LSU announced the hiring of Vikings assistant Daronte Jones as defensive coordinator Tuesday.
Jones just completed his first season as the Vikings’ defensive backs coach after spending time with the Bengals and Dolphins.
"I want thank Coach Orgeron, athletic director Scott Woodard and the administration for this opportunity," Jones said in a news release. "I am blessed and thankful to be part of the LSU family, community, and the strong traditions of this program. Geaux Tigers.”
Jones, coached with former LSU defensive coordinator Dave Aranda for one season at Wisconsin. He’s also had coaching gigs in Louisiana with stints at Nicholls State and at the High school level (Jeanerette and Franklin).
"Daronte is a great addition to our staff," LSU head coach Ed Orgeron said in a news release. "We did a lot of research and talked to a lot of coaches including Dave (Aranda) and every person we spoke with raved about his knowledge and passion for the game.
“He's going to bring tremendous energy to our defense and he will put our players in position to make plays, no matter the situation or scheme. Daronte spent a year working with Dave (Aranda) at Wisconsin and he's learned from some of the best in the game during his five years in the NFL and I know that he's going to do a great job with our defense. I'm excited he's going to be an LSU Tiger."
In his lone season in Minnesota, the Vikings finished the top 10 in the NFL in interceptions with 15.
Jones becomes the third coordinator LSU’s hired from the NFL ranks as new offensive coordinator Jake Peetz and passing game coordinator DJ Mangas both were hired form the Carolina Panthers.
