METAIRIE, La. -- LSU is working to finalize a deal that would make New Orleans Saints defensive line coach Ryan Nielsen its next defensive coordinator, a source confirmed to ESPN.
However, the agreement has not become official yet since his contract with the Saints could bar such a move.
Nielsen has a longtime relationship with LSU coach Ed Orgeron. He played under Orgeron as a defensive tackle at USC from 1998-2001 and coached on Orgeron's staff at Ole Miss from 2005-2007.
The Tigers parted ways with defensive coordinator Bo Pelini last month after just one season on the job.