Brian Kelly worked hard to bring Davis back to his alma mater, and paid him well to do so. All that work lasted for one year.

Timing is everything in life, and the timing for Bo Davis to return to LSU was just about perfect.

A former Tiger who coached at his alma mater twice, Davis was an assistant strength coach when he left LSU in 2005 and, in the following 20 years, became one of the most renowned defensive line coaches in college football. Then, in 2023, Davis enjoyed the best year of his career: T’Vondre Sweat, a multi-year development project, was a unanimous All-American, won the Outland Trophy and was named the Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year while fellow defensive tackle Byron Murphy won the Big 12 Defensive Lineman of the Year on his way to becoming the first defensive player taken in the 2024 NFL draft. At the same time, LSU bottomed out defensively.

Sources told FootballScoop in early 2024 that Brian Kelly named luring Davis back home as an equal or greater priority to identifying a new defensive coordinator. Davis initially spurned his alma mater before Kelly eventually got his man. All good things come to those who wait, as they say.

Kelly got him with a massive bag: LSU made Davis the highest-paid defensive line coach in college football, giving him a 3-year deal that paid him $1.25 million in 2024, with $1.35 million more coming this year and $1.45 million next.

Turns out, that dream arrangement lasted all of one year.

Luke Johnson of the New Orleans Times-Picayne reported Thursday Davis is leaving LSU after a year to take the same job with the New Orleans Saints.

New Saints head coach Kellen Moore is planning to recruit the ever-loving life out of Louisiana. In addition to Davis, Moore also nabbed Louisiana native Terry Joseph away from Texas. Moore also hired Cal defensive coordinator Peter Sirmon to coach linebackers in New Orleans.

It’s a college-heavy staff for a head coach who has never worked in college football, and a defensive coordinator (Brandon Staley) who hasn’t coached college ball since 2016 and, when he did, spent most of his time outside the Power 4.

For Davis, it’s a return to the NFL after spending 2018-20 as the Detroit Lions defensive line coach.

As always, stay tuned to The Scoop for the latest.

Bo Davis is one of the most respected defensive line coaches in football, known for his ability to develop elite talent and bring intensity to his teams. With years of experience at both the college and professional levels, Davis has made a significant impact on every program he’s been a part of, from Alabama to Texas to LSU. His coaching expertise has helped shape dominant defensive fronts, turning raw prospects into NFL-caliber players. His departure from LSU marks a major shift for the Tigers, as they lose one of their top coaching minds.

Now, with his reported return to the NFL, Davis is set to bring his defensive prowess back to the pros, where his aggressive coaching style will be a valuable asset. His return to the league suggests that a team is looking for a major upgrade on the defensive front, and Davis is just the man for the job. With a reputation for demanding excellence and pushing players to their limits, his impact will likely be felt immediately. While LSU fans may be disappointed by his exit, the move signals that Davis is ready for another challenge at the highest level of football.