LSU has targeted Kyle Williams as its next defensive line coach, multiple sources with knowledge of the situation told The Advocate on Thursday.

A deal is in the works, sources said, but it has not been finalized. LSU begins spring practice Saturday.

Williams played at LSU from 2002-05, helping win the 2003 national championship. He played in 46 games and started 33 times at defensive tackle. Williams was a second-team All-American and All-SEC selection as a senior.

After his LSU career, Williams played 13 seasons with the Buffalo Bills. He was a six-time Pro Bowler who finished his career with 48 ½ sacks and 103 tackles for loss.

Williams spent the past five years as the defensive coordinator at Ruston High, his alma mater, before stepping down in January. Ruston held opponents to 15.2 points per game on the way to winning the 2023 state championship. Williams has never coached at the college level.

LSU had an opening after Bo Davis left after one season to be the New Orleans Saints’ defensive line coach. Davis was set to make $1.35 million this year, according to his contract.