Brian Kelly and LSU Tigers Completely Reshaping Themselves This Offseason as Staff Changes Continue Amid College Football Playoff Hopes
As the college football world gears up for the 2025 season, one of the most compelling stories in the offseason has been the transformation of the LSU Tigers under head coach Brian Kelly. After a promising 2024 campaign, LSU is poised for an even stronger showing in the upcoming year, fueled by strategic moves both on and off the field. While much of the focus in Baton Rouge has been on the team’s potential for a College Football Playoff (CFP) berth, there has been a noticeable shift in the program’s culture, recruiting, and most importantly, the staff. With several key staff changes and a continued emphasis on bringing in top-tier talent, Kelly and LSU are completely reshaping the program as they look toward building a sustainable championship contender for years to come.
The college football world is watching closely as LSU looks to build upon their recent successes while also addressing the areas that need improvement. With Brian Kelly’s leadership and some bold decisions in terms of staff changes, LSU is strategically positioning itself as a perennial powerhouse in the SEC and beyond. So, what exactly is going on behind the scenes as Kelly and his staff work to refine the program? How are the Tigers reshaping themselves this offseason to take their place among the elite programs in the country?
Brian Kelly’s Leadership and Vision for LSU
Since taking over at LSU, Brian Kelly has quickly made his mark as one of college football’s most accomplished head coaches. His experience and pedigree, honed through years of success at Notre Dame, have allowed him to immediately compete at a high level within the SEC. Under Kelly’s guidance, LSU has experienced rapid development, with major improvements in recruiting, player development, and program stability. He’s brought discipline, structure, and a culture of accountability to Baton Rouge, which has translated to significant progress on the field.
In just a few short years, Kelly has led LSU to a CFP appearance and continues to position the Tigers as one of the premier programs in the country. However, Kelly has been quick to recognize that building a championship-caliber team is a continuous process, requiring constant adaptation and improvement. This offseason, Kelly is making significant changes to LSU’s coaching staff, focusing on developing a more robust support system that will take the team to the next level.
Staff Changes and Reshaping the Coaching Strategy
One of the most prominent stories surrounding LSU’s offseason has been the coaching staff shakeup. While LSU has had success under Kelly, the coach understands that adjustments are necessary to remain competitive within the hyper-competitive landscape of the SEC. As a result, Kelly has made several strategic changes to his coaching staff, particularly on the defensive side of the ball.
1. Defensive Coordinator Search and Hire
The most significant coaching change for LSU this offseason was the hiring of a new defensive coordinator. After a solid, though not perfect, defensive performance in 2024, LSU made the decision to part ways with Matt House, their previous defensive coordinator. House’s defensive schemes showed promise but struggled at times, particularly against the SEC’s elite offenses.
In his place, Kelly hired Gerrard Tarrant, an experienced defensive mind known for his aggressive play-calling and ability to adapt schemes based on personnel. Tarrant’s philosophy centers around creating havoc on defense, utilizing both blitz packages and zone coverage to confuse quarterbacks and force turnovers. His prior success in both the NFL and as a coordinator at other college programs was a big selling point for Kelly, who is hoping Tarrant can elevate LSU’s defense to a championship level.
Tarrant’s arrival also coincides with LSU’s emphasis on retooling the defense to compete with the high-powered offenses in the SEC, such as Alabama and Georgia. While LSU has a strong roster filled with talented defensive players, Tarrant is tasked with developing a more consistent defensive unit that can effectively stop both the run and the pass.
2. Revamping the Offensive Staff
While LSU’s offense under Jayden Daniels and his supporting cast performed well in 2024, Kelly recognized that some adjustments were needed in order to fully optimize the offensive potential. With Cortez Hankton coming in as the new wide receivers coach, Kelly is hoping to see improved playmaking ability from LSU’s receiving corps, which has struggled with consistency in recent seasons. Hankton brings an extensive background working with talented wideouts at Georgia, where he helped guide some of the best receivers in the nation to NFL-caliber production.
Additionally, Kelly’s offensive philosophy has always centered on balanced play-calling, and his new hires reflect a focus on enhancing the Tigers’ versatility. The addition of Randy Clements as the new offensive line coach also signals Kelly’s commitment to maintaining a physical and dominant offensive line, which is crucial for establishing a strong running game and providing Daniels with ample time to make plays in the passing game.
In the offseason, LSU’s offensive staff has focused on improving their play calling to be more dynamic and adaptable. Kelly and his staff have looked closely at what worked for LSU in 2024 and are determined to build upon their strengths. Key to their strategy will be optimizing the combination of Daniels’ dual-threat abilities and a deeper receiving corps, led by Malik Nabers and Brian Thomas Jr., both of whom are expected to take their games to the next level.
3. Special Teams Overhaul
While the focus is often on offense and defense, LSU has also taken steps to improve in the third phase of the game: special teams. Special teams can often be the difference-maker in close games, and LSU’s lack of consistency in this area has led to an overhaul in the staff. Brad Davis, LSU’s new special teams coordinator, has a reputation for molding effective special teams units that impact field position and provide momentum-changing plays.
Davis will work closely with Jack Bech, who emerged as a reliable returner in 2024, and Damone Clark, an explosive linebacker who will help with special teams coverage. LSU has made special teams a priority this offseason, recognizing that this is an area that can significantly impact the team’s overall performance, particularly in crucial SEC matchups.
Key Players Returning to LSU in 2025
While the coaching staff changes have been a major story, LSU’s roster is also seeing some notable changes. The Tigers are expecting to return some of the best players in college football in 2025, which will make them an even more formidable force on both sides of the ball.
Jayden Daniels: A Heisman Contender
One of the most exciting storylines for LSU heading into the 2025 season is the return of Jayden Daniels at quarterback. Daniels, who transferred to LSU ahead of the 2023 season, has shown flashes of brilliance as a dual-threat quarterback. In 2024, he solidified his status as one of the best quarterbacks in the SEC, throwing for over 3,500 yards and rushing for nearly 700 yards and 10 touchdowns. His leadership on the field and ability to perform in clutch situations make him a potential Heisman contender in 2025.
Daniels will have even more weapons at his disposal in 2025, including returning wide receivers Malik Nabers, who emerged as Daniels’ favorite target in 2024, and Kayshon Boutte, who opted to return for another season after a standout 2024 campaign. This dynamic trio, combined with an improved offensive line and an evolving offensive system, positions LSU for even greater success.
Defensive Playmakers: A Strong Unit
On defense, LSU will feature a mix of established stars and up-and-coming players who will play crucial roles in the team’s success. Mekhi Wingo, one of the top defensive tackles in the SEC, returns to anchor the interior of the defensive line. Alongside him, linebacker Harold Perkins will be an absolute force, with his ability to rush the passer and cover in the secondary making him one of the most versatile players in the SEC. The addition of highly rated recruits, including Zy Alexander and Desmond Ricks, bolsters LSU’s defensive backfield, which is expected to be much improved under Gerrard Tarrant.
The Recruiting Advantage
As usual, LSU’s recruiting pipeline remains one of the best in the country, with Brian Kelly continuing to reel in top-tier talent from both in-state and nationally. LSU’s 2025 class includes highly ranked recruits on both sides of the ball, particularly on defense. Ja’Khi Howard, a 5-star linebacker, is expected to make an immediate impact, as is Zy Alexander, a lockdown cornerback who could help shore up LSU’s pass defense.
Kelly’s ability to consistently recruit at an elite level ensures that LSU will continue to be a force to be reckoned with in the SEC and college football at large.
What’s Next for LSU?
As the offseason continues, LSU is positioning itself to be one of the top contenders for a College Football Playoff spot in 2025. The staff changes and roster adjustments are significant steps toward making that happen, but LSU’s true test will come when the season kicks off. With Brian Kelly’s leadership, the continued development of key players, and the reshaping of the coaching staff, LSU is clearly aiming to return to the top of college football.
Fans of the Tigers are optimistic about the future, knowing that their program is in the hands of one of the best coaches in the country. The 2025 season holds promise, and LSU has the potential to be a championship contender, both within the SEC and on the national stage. The foundation has been set, the adjustments are being made, and the Tigers are ready to roar in 2025.
