FILE - In this Aug. 7, 2012, file photo, LSU defensive coordinator John Chavis talks during an NCAA college football media day in Baton Rouge. Chavis is trying to figure out fast which of more than a half-dozen true freshman will be able to handle crunch-time responsibilities when the Tigers enter the heart of their Southeastern Conference slate. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert, File)

Texas A&M has hired John Chavis to be its next defensive coordinator, sources have confirmed to Yahoo Sports.

Chavis, who has spent the past six seasons with LSU, replaces Mark Snyder, who was fired earlier this month after the A&M defense ranked 103rd in the nation this past season.

This is a major coup for A&M coach Kevin Sumlin, who not only robbed a rival of its most precious asset. While Chavis isn't known as a recruiter, his reputation for being a great defensive mind that sends players to the NFL is well known.

Chavis has been credited with the bulk of LSU’s success since joining the staff in 2009. This past season, the Tigers ranked No. 6 in scoring defense and 11th in the country in total defense. During Chavis’ tenure, LSU’s defenses have consistently ranked in the top 20 in many major defensive categories, including total defense and scoring defense. He has had 19 LSU players selected in the NFL draft and five in the first round.

Since Sumlin took over at Texas A&M in 2012, the defense has always been a few steps behind the offense and has been downright atrocious in the past couple of seasons. With Sumlin's offensive mind and recruiting skills, and Chavis' defensive acumen, A&M easily becomes one of the top contenders not only in the SEC, but also the country.

Chavis has coached in the SEC since 1989 and became an SEC coordinator in 1995 with Tennessee.

Sources say the A&M deal is for three-plus years, though compensation has not yet been finalized. Chavis was making $1.3 million per year with LSU and rumors stated Texas A&M was willing to offer $1.7 million.

Chavis will arrive in College Station within the next 24 hours.

For more LSU news, visit TigerBait.com.

For more Texas A&M news, visit AggieYell.com.

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Graham Watson is the editor of Dr. Saturday on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email her at dr.saturday@ymail.com or follow her on Twitter! Follow @YahooDrSaturday

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