LSU graduate assistant John Decoster earned a lot in the 2019 season.

Being a part of a historic offense boasted by the Tigers, leading to a national championship, opened up new doors for Decoster.

He will have a new role elsewhere for the 2020 college football season.

According to a report by FOX sideline analyst Bruce Feldman, Decoster was hired by Old Dominion University to be their new tight-ends coach.

“He is a rising star coach,” Feldman said. “Decoster landed the nation’s tight end recruit Arik Gilbert this year and helped develop Thaddeus Moss in his breakout season. Plus he’s well-versed in this record-breaking LSU offense.”

Decoster has the eye and a knack for developing quality tight end talent at the collegiate level. According to 247sports recruiting analyst Barton Simmons, Gilbert has tremendous upside.

“He once looked like a higher upside prospect at defensive end but has honed his offensive skill-set to become one of the most unique tight end prospects in years,” Simmons said. “He’s the best tight end prospect we've seen since OJ Howard. A power five impact player on either side of the ball with first-round NFL Draft upside.”

Moss, son of NFL legend Randy Moss, caught five passes for 36 yards and two touchdowns in the national championship victory over Clemson. He finished the season with 47 receptions for 570 yards and four touchdowns despite being featured in a loaded offense with three potential first-round talent wide receivers.

Thaddeus, developed by Decoster, had a long road to a successful season with the Tigers in 2019, including rising from his famous father’s shadow.

“The only time in my whole life when it was tough was in college,” Thaddeus said. “I didn’t know what college would be like. I had a lot of false expectations. I wanted to get my name out there. I wanted to get out of the shadow, but I didn’t know how to do that.”

The first true Tiger Walk of Thaddeus’ LSU career came on Aug. 31, 2019. Thaddeus hadn’t played in two years, and the upcoming matchup with Georgia Southern would be his opportunity to finally see the field. Thaddeus didn’t cry. But the emotions were intense.

“I’ve been able to put my name out there but also carry the Moss name on,” Thaddeus said.

Decoster will take his experience to the Monarchs’ football program having learned under coaches such as Steve Ensminger and Joe Brady, who ran the offense. Old Dominion finished 1-11 in 2019 after a season opening victory over Norfolk State.

Old Dominion hired Ricky Rahne, the former Penn State offensive coordinator back, as their new head coach in December. Penn State head coach James Franklin gave a glowing statement about Rahne, words that should encourage Decoster as he moves up the coaching ranks.

"First, I love Ricky and his family. This is a bittersweet moment for our program," Franklin said in a prepared statement released by Old Dominion. "I am so incredibly proud of Ricky and I am super excited for him, his family and Old Dominion. I am forever indebted to Ricky for his loyalty and drive in helping us succeed at Vanderbilt and Penn State. Ricky is a rising star in the industry and is built for this opportunity. He is a smart, open-minded and talented coach. His humble leadership style will resonate well with Old Dominion's leadership and players. I look forward to following his program at Old Dominion!"