LSU defensive coordinator John Chavis downplays his return to Tennessee

The LSU defensive coordinator for the past three seasons was a fixture at Tennessee for 20 years, 14 as a highly respected defensive coordinator under Philip Fulmer. "This thing next week will be about LSU and Tennessee," Chavis said after LSU's 41-11 victory against then-No. 17 Florida last Saturday at Tigers Stadium. "That's where its going to happen, it's going to happen on the field. I'm just fortunate enough that I have a position at LSU, and I'm going to be a part of the game, and I'm excited about that."

That doesn't mean Chavis doesn't have some pointed feelings about his dismissal along with the rest of Fulmer's staff.

LSU Coach Les Miles was more than happy to hire Chavis. The Tigers now boasts one of the top defenses in the nation. Despite their short acquaintance, Miles knows Chavis well enough to know the emotions are roiling.

"It's hard for me to talk for John," Miles said. "But anybody that knows John knows he has such a grand heart, and he's so loyal. I can remember playing against his defenses, and you felt his presence across the field. You just knew he was a big part of any team he was representing.

"He took an identity when he wore those colors that he will reminisce about. I think John will want that (LSU) defense to play well."

LSU defensive players said Chavis hasn't let on that this week is any different from the previous six, although safety Brandon Taylor notice a slight change Monday.

"He was amped up a little bit today," Taylor said. "He was smiling. That was my first time seeing him smile in a while. He'll bring it up there on game day."