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

As college football programs begin to prepare for the 2025 season, change is always in the air, particularly when it comes to coaching staffs. Recently, the LSU Tigers football program has experienced notable staff changes, with three key members of head coach Brian Kelly’s coaching staff not returning for the upcoming season. These departures represent a mix of coaching adjustments, shifts in responsibilities, and a reflection of Kelly’s ongoing effort to fine-tune his staff as he continues to build a championship contender in Baton Rouge.

The LSU Tigers, coming off a solid 2024 season where they finished with a respectable record and secured a bowl appearance, now face a significant reshaping of their coaching staff, as these transitions signal an attempt to refine their approach moving forward. While these moves have been a topic of discussion for LSU fans and analysts alike, understanding the reasons behind these decisions and what they mean for the program’s future is critical.

The Departures: Who’s Leaving?

1. Corey Raymond – Defensive Backs Coach

Corey Raymond’s departure from LSU marks the end of an era for one of the most respected defensive backs coaches in college football. Raymond had been with LSU for multiple seasons, helping to develop some of the top cornerbacks and safeties in the nation. Known for his recruiting prowess and his ability to coach players up to their highest potential, Raymond’s impact on the program cannot be overstated. Under his tutelage, players like Derek Stingley Jr., Greedy Williams, and Kristian Fulton flourished, and the Tigers’ secondary became one of the most feared in the SEC.

However, after a few seasons of mixed results, Raymond is reportedly leaving LSU to pursue other opportunities. While his departure has been amicable, it does signal a shift in the direction of LSU’s defensive coaching staff. The Tigers have been looking to implement more complex schemes and improve their defensive consistency, and Kelly has decided to bring in a new voice for the secondary to help execute that vision.

Raymond’s decision to leave might also be influenced by his aspirations for a head coaching role or the chance to reunite with former colleagues at other programs. His reputation as one of the nation’s top recruiters and developer of talent has made him a hot commodity in college football, and his next move will be closely watched.

2. Joe Sloan – Quarterbacks Coach

Another key departure is Joe Sloan, who has served as the quarterbacks coach under Brian Kelly since his arrival at LSU. Sloan had a strong track record of working with quarterbacks, including working with Garrett Nussmeier and Jayden Daniels, who both showed significant development during their time under his guidance. However, after two seasons, Sloan will not return for the 2025 campaign.

The decision to part ways with Sloan is rooted in a desire to retool LSU’s quarterback development strategy. While Daniels showed flashes of brilliance, including his ability to make plays with both his arm and legs, there were moments during the 2024 season where the passing game struggled with consistency. With new recruits coming in and potential transfers to consider, Kelly is looking for a fresh perspective to further elevate the quarterback room.

Some speculated that Sloan’s exit might also be due to a desire for him to take on a new challenge, potentially as an offensive coordinator or in another role at a different program. Regardless, the timing of the move suggests that Kelly is committed to making the necessary adjustments to ensure that the quarterback position remains a strength moving forward.

3. Brad Davis – Offensive Line Coach

Brad Davis, who has been with LSU since 2022 as the offensive line coach, is also not returning for the 2025 season. Davis had an immediate impact on LSU’s offensive line, helping improve the unit’s play in a short amount of time. The offensive line was one of the major question marks heading into the 2023 season, but under Davis, the group showed significant improvement in both run blocking and pass protection.

Despite this improvement, Davis’s departure signals that LSU’s leadership feels more change is needed up front. The Tigers’ offensive line struggled at times during the 2024 season, particularly in high-stakes SEC matchups where the unit faced top-tier competition. While Davis’s coaching and ability to develop young talent were valuable, LSU may be looking for a coach with a different style or philosophy to continue building a dominant offensive line.

Davis could very well be taking on a new opportunity elsewhere, as his reputation as a talented line coach has caught the attention of other programs in need of offensive line leadership.

Reasons for Change: Why the Departures?

The departures of these three staff members come at a time when LSU is striving for more consistency and success on both sides of the ball. While the Tigers have seen flashes of brilliance under Brian Kelly’s leadership, particularly in their high-powered offense and at key skill positions, the coaching staff changes reflect a drive to improve in certain areas.

1. A Desire for Consistency

One of the main driving forces behind these changes is a need for more consistency. LSU’s defense, for example, showed promise but was at times inconsistent, particularly in critical moments against top competition. In the SEC, where every game is a challenge, having a reliable defensive unit is crucial. The hope is that by bringing in new voices to coach the secondary and other areas of defense, LSU can find a more consistent formula for success.

Similarly, the offensive line struggled at times, and there is a desire to develop a dominant group that can consistently protect the quarterback and open running lanes. The pressure to perform at an elite level, especially against SEC teams, necessitates that every unit, from the offensive line to the secondary, be in top form.

2. Recruiting and Talent Development

Brian Kelly is known for his attention to recruiting, and his ability to bring in top-tier talent to LSU has been one of the program’s strengths. However, recruiting is an ongoing process, and Kelly likely believes that by bringing in new coaches with fresh perspectives, he can continue to enhance LSU’s recruiting efforts. Raymond, Sloan, and Davis have all made significant impacts in terms of developing talent, but LSU’s desire to maintain its competitive edge likely prompted these changes.

3. Program Evolution

As Kelly enters his third season at LSU, it’s clear that he is constantly evaluating and evolving the program. College football is a dynamic sport, and what worked in previous seasons might not be sufficient moving forward. These changes reflect Kelly’s broader strategy of making adjustments where necessary to ensure that the Tigers remain competitive at the highest level. Whether it’s improving player development, refining schemes, or enhancing recruiting, Kelly is committed to positioning LSU for long-term success.

What’s Next for LSU?

With these staff departures, Brian Kelly now faces the task of filling these important roles and ensuring that the transition is as smooth as possible. In the coming weeks, LSU is expected to announce replacements for each of the departing staff members, and fans are eager to see who will step in to continue the program’s development.

Given Kelly’s track record of making shrewd hires, there will likely be significant interest in the open positions. Whether the new hires come from within the college ranks or from the NFL, LSU fans are hopeful that these changes will ultimately lead to a more competitive and consistent team in 2025 and beyond.

The trio of departures may have come as a surprise, but they also underscore Brian Kelly’s commitment to improving the program and ensuring that LSU remains a top-tier program in the SEC. With strong recruiting classes, a solid foundation on both sides of the ball, and a clear vision for the future, LSU is positioning itself for continued success, even as it adjusts its coaching staff heading into the 2025 season.