LSU Football Loses Assistant Coach to NFL

Safeties coach Jake Olsen departs for Washington Commanders

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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LSU football will have to replace safeties coach Jake Olsen, who is leaving the program to join the Washington Commanders' coaching staff under Dan Quinn.

Why it matters

Olsen was a key member of the LSU defensive coaching staff, helping to rebuild the secondary and mentor standout players like Jardin Gilbert and Major Burns. His departure leaves a hole that head coach Lane Kiffin will need to fill as the Tigers prepare for spring workouts.

The details

Olsen first joined the LSU staff in 2021 as an analyst working with the linebackers, before departing for Missouri. When new defensive coordinator Blake Baker took the job at LSU, Olsen followed and took over coaching the safeties. In 2025, he led the rebuild of the secondary, working with transfers A.J. Haulcy and Tamarcus Cooley who had breakout seasons.

  • Olsen first arrived at LSU in January 2024.
  • Olsen left LSU in 2025 to join the Washington Commanders.

The players

Jake Olsen

Safeties coach who is leaving LSU to join the Washington Commanders' coaching staff.

Lane Kiffin

Head coach of the LSU football team.

Blake Baker

Defensive coordinator at LSU who hired Olsen to the staff.

Jardin Gilbert

LSU safety who was mentored by Olsen.

Major Burns

LSU safety who was mentored by Olsen.

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What’s next

Kiffin will need to find a replacement for Olsen on the defensive coaching staff as the Tigers prepare for spring workouts.

The takeaway

Olsen's departure is a significant loss for the LSU defense, as he played a key role in rebuilding the secondary and developing standout players. Kiffin will need to quickly find a capable replacement to maintain the Tigers' defensive momentum.