Pair of LSU Football Staffers Not Returning for 2025 Season on Brian Kelly’s Staff
As the 2024 college football season comes to a close, the LSU Tigers are looking ahead to the 2025 season under head coach Brian Kelly. LSU has enjoyed considerable success in Kelly’s first few years at the helm, but the Tigers’ staff will be undergoing some changes ahead of next season. Two significant staff members will not be returning for the 2025 season, as Coach Kelly has made the decision to part ways with them in an effort to further refine and strengthen his coaching staff for the future.
While changes in a football program’s coaching staff are common, especially after a season full of high expectations, these departures have raised questions about LSU’s direction as they continue to build on the momentum they’ve gathered under Kelly’s leadership. Let’s dive into the reasons behind these staff departures, what they mean for LSU’s future, and how Brian Kelly plans to address the changes as the Tigers look ahead to 2025.
The Two Staffers Departing: A Look at Their Roles and Impact
In order to understand the implications of these staff changes, it’s crucial to examine who the two departing staff members are, their roles at LSU, and the impact they’ve had on the team during their tenure.
1. Offensive Coordinator Mike Denbrock
One of the most notable departures is that of Mike Denbrock, LSU’s offensive coordinator, who has informed Brian Kelly and athletic director Scott Woodward that he will not be returning for the 2025 season. Denbrock was hired by Kelly in 2022 to oversee LSU’s offense, bringing with him a wealth of experience and a reputation for being an innovative offensive mind.
Denbrock’s time at LSU had its ups and downs, but there were clear signs of progress in the offensive system he implemented. During the 2023 season, LSU’s offense had flashes of brilliance, including impressive performances from quarterback Jayden Daniels and wide receiver Malik Nabers. Denbrock’s offensive scheme blended a power-run approach with a dynamic passing attack, designed to take advantage of Daniels’ dual-threat abilities.
However, despite the occasional brilliance, LSU’s offense struggled with consistency, particularly in crucial games against top-tier SEC opponents. There were questions about Denbrock’s ability to adjust during key moments, and LSU’s performance against elite defenses, such as Alabama and Georgia, often exposed some weaknesses in their offensive game plan.
Denbrock’s departure is viewed by many as part of Brian Kelly’s ongoing effort to refine the offensive approach and bring in a new voice who can potentially provide more consistency and adaptability to LSU’s attack. The decision to part ways with Denbrock does not come as a surprise given the high expectations surrounding LSU’s offense, especially with the potential of a dynamic quarterback like Daniels returning for another season.
As LSU looks toward the 2025 season, Kelly will likely look to bring in a new offensive coordinator who can further develop Daniels’ skills and optimize the talents of LSU’s playmakers. Whether Kelly chooses a more aggressive or balanced approach will have a profound effect on LSU’s offensive identity in the coming years.
2. Defensive Backs Coach Corey Raymond
The second significant departure from LSU’s coaching staff is Corey Raymond, the long-time defensive backs coach who has been with the program for a number of years. Raymond, a former LSU player, has been a cornerstone of the Tigers’ defense, earning recognition for his ability to develop elite defensive backs and his tireless work recruiting some of the best talent in the country.
Raymond was a highly respected member of LSU’s coaching staff, and his departure marks the end of an era for the Tigers’ defense. Under Raymond’s tutelage, LSU consistently produced top-tier cornerbacks and safeties, many of whom went on to have successful careers in the NFL. Notable defensive backs that Raymond coached include Tre’Davious White, Derrick Stingley Jr., and Eli Ricks, all of whom were highly regarded as some of the top prospects in college football during their time at LSU.
However, despite Raymond’s reputation and the success LSU had in developing defensive backs, there were concerns about the secondary’s performance in the 2024 season. LSU’s defense, while strong in many areas, showed vulnerability in the secondary, especially in pass coverage against high-powered offenses like Alabama and Ole Miss. Raymond’s departure could be seen as a move by Brian Kelly to rejuvenate the defense with fresh ideas and bring in a coach who can provide new insights into how to better defend against elite passing attacks.
Raymond’s impact on recruiting cannot be overstated, as he was a key figure in securing some of the top defensive back talent in the country. With Raymond leaving, Kelly will have to quickly fill the position with someone who can maintain LSU’s strong recruiting efforts, particularly in the state of Louisiana, which has produced an abundance of top-tier talent in recent years.
The Strategic Move: Why Brian Kelly Is Making These Changes
While changes to the coaching staff can always be challenging, they can also be a necessary part of a program’s long-term growth. Brian Kelly’s decision to move on from two prominent coaches is likely a strategic one, designed to help LSU reach new heights in the coming years. There are several reasons why Kelly may have felt the need to make these changes:
1. Inconsistent Results on the Field
Both Denbrock and Raymond were part of LSU’s program during a period of transition. While Kelly’s arrival in Baton Rouge was a breath of fresh air and sparked a renewed sense of optimism for the Tigers, the team has not yet achieved the level of consistency needed to be considered a true SEC contender on a yearly basis. While the team showed flashes of brilliance, particularly in 2023, there were also moments of regression.
Denbrock’s offense, while potent at times, failed to perform consistently against top-tier defenses, which hurt LSU’s chances in big games. The inability to execute a balanced, sustained offensive attack may have prompted Kelly to search for a new offensive mind who could optimize LSU’s roster and address some of the issues that plagued the team during the 2024 season.
Similarly, while Raymond’s defensive backs consistently produced high-level talent, LSU’s defense as a whole showed inconsistency, especially in pass coverage. This is not solely on Raymond, but in an era where passing offenses dominate college football, Kelly may have felt that a change in philosophy was necessary to elevate LSU’s defense to the level of championship contention.
2. Seeking a New Direction and Fresh Perspectives
Another reason behind these staff changes could be Kelly’s desire to inject fresh perspectives and ideas into LSU’s coaching staff. Kelly is known for his ability to adapt and evolve, and with the rapidly changing landscape of college football, it’s important for a program like LSU to stay ahead of the curve. Bringing in new coaches can inject fresh energy, new strategies, and creative ideas that can better prepare the team for the challenges of the future.
3. Maintaining Recruiting Success
Both Denbrock and Raymond were key figures in LSU’s recruiting efforts, particularly when it came to identifying top-tier talent. Raymond’s work with defensive backs was especially crucial, as LSU has long been known as a destination for top cornerbacks and safeties. However, Kelly understands that recruiting success is about more than just individual coaches—it’s about the overall direction of the program. By making these changes, Kelly can ensure that LSU remains competitive in recruiting, particularly for the next generation of players who will shape the future of the program.
The Search for New Staff Members
Now that Denbrock and Raymond are departing, Brian Kelly will turn his attention to finding replacements who can help the Tigers get back to championship-level football. Finding the right offensive coordinator will be a top priority for Kelly, as LSU needs a coach who can build a potent, consistent offense around Jayden Daniels and the other emerging playmakers. The right fit will need to be someone who can understand the unique challenges of coaching in the SEC and can develop a system that maximizes the talent LSU has on the roster.
Similarly, finding a defensive backs coach who can continue to develop elite talent while improving LSU’s pass defense will be key. LSU’s defense has long been a strong point of the program, and it’s crucial to maintain that tradition while adapting to modern college football trends.
Conclusion: The Road Ahead for LSU Football
The departures of Mike Denbrock and Corey Raymond are significant, but they present an opportunity for Brian Kelly to continue reshaping LSU football in his own image. While the Tigers have had their fair share of success under Kelly, the need for consistency—especially in big games—has led to this coaching shake-up. With these changes, Kelly will undoubtedly aim to elevate LSU’s offense and defense to new heights, all while maintaining the program’s strong recruiting foundation.
As LSU enters the 2025 season, the eyes of the college football world will be watching to see how these changes affect the team’s performance on the field. While the loss of two highly respected staff members is a challenge, it is also an opportunity for LSU to embrace a new direction and continue striving toward greatness. The future of LSU football is bright under Brian Kelly’s leadership, and with the right coaching hires, the Tigers will be well-positioned to compete for championships in the years to come.
