Over the weekend, it appeared that new Washington Commanders defensive coordinator Daronte Jones added a name to his coaching staff with whom he’d had a prior connection. LSU safeties coach Jake Olsen had reportedly agreed to a role on Washington’s staff.
Now, it appears Olsen has had a change of heart, according to Pete Nakos on On3. Matt Zenitz initially reported that Olsen “was set to leave” LSU for Washington, but that it was not official.
Sources tell @On3 that LSU safeties coach Jake Olsen has ultimately decided to stay in Baton Rouge with the Tigers. Had emerged as a target to join the Commanders.https://t.co/ROtNNWwCdZhttps://t.co/T9vr5YCgePpic.twitter.com/A0UaGiFLC6
— Pete Nakos (@PeteNakos) February 17, 2026
Zenitz said new LSU head coach Lane Kiffin worked hard to keep Olsen after he initially agreed to leave for Washington. Olsen has been LSU’s safeties coach for the past two seasons and also served as a defensive analyst at LSU in 2021, when Jones was the defensive coordinator.
Olsen wasn’t heading to the Commanders to become the safeties coach, as Tommy Donatell holds that position. It wasn’t reported what his job title would be, but he could’ve been an assistant defensive backs coach or a quality control assistant.
One of the players Olsen coached at LSU last season, safety A.J. Haulcy, is expected to be selected sometime on Day 2 of the 2026 NFL Draft.
Olsen began coaching in 2013 at Valley City State, working his way up the ladder and spending the past five seasons in the SEC, including two at Missouri.
This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Washington Commanders: LSU assistant will remain in college
