Pair of LSU Football Staffers Not Returning for 2025 Season on Brian Kelly’s Staff

The LSU Tigers football program is undergoing some staff changes ahead of the 2025 season, as two prominent members of Brian Kelly’s coaching staff will not be returning. While Kelly has already established a strong foundation at LSU since his arrival, these moves signify a shift as the program looks to adjust and improve going into another highly anticipated year.

Brian Kelly took over as head coach of the LSU Tigers in 2022 after a highly successful stint at Notre Dame. His first season in Baton Rouge was a memorable one, culminating in an SEC West title and a New Year’s Six bowl appearance. However, Kelly, who is known for his ability to reshape programs and build strong coaching staffs, has always been open to change and improvement. With the 2025 season approaching, it appears Kelly is once again making strategic decisions to bolster his staff and take LSU to the next level.

Who is Departing?

The two staffers not returning for the 2025 season are offensive line coach Brad Davis and defensive line coach Jamar Cain. Both were considered integral parts of Kelly’s staff, and their departures come as a bit of a surprise given the success LSU had under their guidance in 2023 and 2024.

Brad Davis – Offensive Line Coach

Brad Davis, who joined LSU in 2022 as the offensive line coach, played a key role in rebuilding a critical area for the Tigers. Under his tutelage, the offensive line improved significantly, with notable development from several players who were initially seen as liabilities. Davis was credited with not only developing talent but also fostering a physical, cohesive unit that played an important role in LSU’s success, particularly in the running game.

Davis, a Louisiana native, arrived with a reputation as a strong recruiter and coach, having previously worked at Arkansas, Missouri, and Oklahoma. His impact on LSU’s offensive line was felt immediately, and many observers credited him with transforming a unit that had struggled in recent years into one that was competitive on the SEC level.

However, in the face of growing expectations and the ever-evolving nature of college football, Kelly has apparently decided to make a change in this area. While the reasons for Davis’ departure have not been fully disclosed, it’s possible that Kelly simply saw a need to make adjustments in order to meet the challenges of recruiting and competing in the SEC. The decision is consistent with Kelly’s approach to constantly evaluate and improve his program, even after success.

Jamar Cain – Defensive Line Coach

Jamar Cain, who served as LSU’s defensive line coach, was another key figure in Brian Kelly’s staff. Cain’s defensive lines were one of the most potent aspects of LSU’s team in recent years, helping to develop several future NFL players. He played a pivotal role in coaching LSU’s front seven, which included standouts like Mekhi Wingo and Maason Smith. Under Cain’s leadership, the defensive line was not only tough but also aggressive, setting the tone for the Tigers’ defense.

Cain arrived at LSU after a successful tenure at Oklahoma, where he was known for his ability to develop and recruit talent. During his time at LSU, Cain’s defensive line showed significant improvement and versatility, playing a major role in LSU’s rise to national prominence. Despite his success, Cain’s departure signals that Kelly sees an opportunity for further growth in this critical position group.

Cain’s departure leaves a notable void in the LSU defensive coaching staff. He had built strong relationships with players and was a major recruiter for the program, particularly in Louisiana. His recruitment prowess was especially vital for LSU, and his exit will force Kelly to reassess his defensive line strategy moving forward.

Why the Changes?

While both Davis and Cain were seen as successful coaches, their departures underscore the volatile nature of college football coaching staffs. Changes in staffing can happen for a variety of reasons, from personal decisions to the ever-present drive for improvement.

1. Recruiting and Development: College football is heavily influenced by recruiting, and with Kelly’s commitment to building a national powerhouse, he may have seen a need to bring in coaches with a more elevated track record of recruiting in the highly competitive SEC landscape. Recruiting is a significant part of a program’s success, and in the cutthroat world of college football, no program can afford to stay static. It’s possible that Kelly’s staff changes are part of a broader strategy to elevate the recruiting efforts in key areas.

2. Adjusting to Program Needs: After the 2023 season, which saw LSU make it to the SEC Championship Game, Kelly and his staff had a clearer picture of where the team was excelling and where it needed to improve. This understanding likely led to the decision to make adjustments at these critical positions. Offensive line and defensive line play are foundational to a successful football team, and Kelly may have felt that changes were necessary to elevate LSU’s competitiveness in the conference.

3. Continuity and Fresh Ideas: Brian Kelly is known for his ability to build cohesive coaching staffs that function well together. However, even the best teams need new ideas to maintain momentum. Sometimes, changes in coaching staff can reinvigorate a program and inject fresh perspectives. For LSU, the decision to part ways with Davis and Cain may reflect Kelly’s desire to foster a new dynamic on the staff, keeping the program ahead of the curve as it looks to compete for national championships.

Impact on LSU’s 2025 Campaign

The departures of Davis and Cain could have immediate and long-term consequences for LSU as it heads into the 2025 season. While both coaches are widely respected for their ability to develop talent and recruit effectively, the move could open the door for new opportunities and new voices to influence the team.

Recruiting: One of the most significant impacts of these staff changes will likely be felt on the recruiting trail. Davis and Cain were both considered excellent recruiters, with a deep understanding of the LSU brand and the Louisiana talent pool. Replacing them with coaches who have similar skills will be paramount for Kelly and his staff. Losing two influential recruiters means that Kelly will need to move quickly to ensure that LSU can maintain its presence in Louisiana and continue to secure elite players, particularly in the trenches.

On-the-Field Play: The immediate impact will be felt on the field as LSU adapts to a new offensive and defensive line philosophy. Both the offensive and defensive line are areas of emphasis for the Tigers moving forward, and Kelly will need to ensure that whoever replaces Davis and Cain has the ability to build strong, physical units that can compete with the best in the SEC. The success of LSU’s offensive and defensive lines will be critical to the program’s hopes of competing for SEC and national titles.

Player Development: Under both Davis and Cain, several players took significant strides in their development. Moving forward, the Tigers will need to ensure that these players continue to progress and that incoming recruits are quickly integrated into the system. While Kelly’s coaching acumen and ability to develop talent are unquestioned, these position groups will need to be carefully managed as new coaches come in.

Looking Ahead

As the LSU Tigers prepare for the 2025 season, the coaching changes serve as a reminder of the constant evolution in college football. Staff turnover is an inevitable part of the process, but for Kelly, it’s an opportunity to make strategic adjustments that can further solidify LSU’s position as a national powerhouse.

The hires to replace Davis and Cain will be critical. It’s likely that Kelly will target coaches with strong recruiting backgrounds, excellent player development skills, and the ability to thrive in the intense environment of the SEC. The upcoming offseason will be crucial for LSU as it looks to continue building on the success of 2023 and position itself for another run at the SEC and College Football Playoff.

In the ever-competitive world of college football, change is constant, and the LSU Tigers are no exception. While the departures of Brad Davis and Jamar Cain may have come as a surprise, they are part of a larger strategy by Brian Kelly to ensure that LSU remains a dominant force on the national stage for years to come.