Steve Kragthorpe Takes Limited Coaching Role Due to Parkinson's Disease

Huge news came out of Baton Rouge today, as Steve Kragthorpe has given up his role of offensive coordinator after being diagnosed with Parkinson's disease.

The school released a quote from Kragthorpe where the coach says he hopes to remain quarterbacks coach for "the next 8 to 12 years," but he will no longer be the play caller. Offensive line coach Greg Studrawa, who was offensive coordinator at Bowling Green after Urban Meyer left from 2003-06, will take over as coordinator and play caller. He has been LSU's offensive line coach since the 2007 national championship season.

Obviously this is a big shock to the system of a team expected to contend for the West title and be among the nation's five best teams. It's far too early to say how this might affect the team, but obviously thoughts and prayers go out to Kragthorpe and his family as they begin dealing with this awful disease.