As staff changes continue in the midst of the College Football Playoffs, Brian Kelly and the LSU Tigers are radically changing this offseason.

Brian Kelly and the LSU Tigers: Radical Changes During the Offseason Amid College Football Playoff Shakeups

As the College Football Playoff (CFP) rolls on and the 2024 season heads toward its final stages, one of the most intriguing teams to keep an eye on for the 2025 season is the LSU Tigers. Head coach Brian Kelly, now in his third year at LSU, is poised to make significant strides in Baton Rouge. Known for his methodical and disciplined approach to coaching, Kelly has already laid the groundwork for a return to prominence at LSU. However, this offseason is proving to be one of radical change for the program as it undergoes transformations on the roster, coaching staff, and recruitment strategies.

After a relatively successful 2023 season, in which LSU finished with an 11-2 record, the Tigers are aiming even higher in 2024 and beyond. With Kelly’s leadership, LSU is expected to challenge the perennial powers of the SEC, such as Georgia, Alabama, and Tennessee, while also pushing for a return to the College Football Playoff. But in order to do so, the program is making substantial adjustments during the offseason—decisions that could dramatically impact its future.

This article will explore the key changes taking place at LSU, particularly the staff reshuffling, player recruitment, and adjustments on both sides of the ball. It will also analyze the challenges LSU faces in the highly competitive SEC and how Brian Kelly’s leadership and decision-making will shape the program in the upcoming years.

1. Brian Kelly’s Evolution at LSU

When Brian Kelly left his post at Notre Dame to take over as LSU’s head coach in 2022, it was a move that shook the college football landscape. Kelly, with his years of experience coaching at a program that consistently contended for top-tier bowl games, was stepping into a program with high expectations and an already-deep football culture. But Kelly’s first year in Baton Rouge was anything but smooth.

Despite his pedigree, LSU had its fair share of growing pains. The Tigers finished 10-4 in 2022, which was good but not good enough for a team of LSU’s stature. While Kelly managed to pull off some huge wins, including a thrilling upset over Alabama, there were also losses that exposed LSU’s weaknesses, particularly on defense. The team struggled at times with consistency, and fans and analysts alike were quick to point out the areas for improvement.

However, 2023 proved to be a turning point for Kelly and the Tigers. LSU finished with an 11-2 record, lost only one SEC game, and came close to earning a spot in the College Football Playoff. More importantly, Kelly showed that he could recruit and develop talent at an elite level in Baton Rouge. The success of quarterback Jayden Daniels and linebacker Harold Perkins Jr. in 2023 showcased Kelly’s ability to mold players into elite performers. The team was clearly on the rise.

But while the 2023 season was encouraging, Kelly knows that in order to take LSU to the next level—specifically back to the College Football Playoff and national championship contention—he must make some radical changes. These changes are happening right now, as LSU undergoes a retooling process to improve the team’s roster, coaching staff, and infrastructure in preparation for the next few years.

2. Staff Changes: Revamping LSU’s Coaching Structure

One of the most immediate and notable changes to LSU this offseason is a complete overhaul of the coaching staff. Although Kelly’s initial coaching staff helped build a foundation for success, the competitive nature of the SEC demands that LSU constantly adapt and evolve. The Tigers’ ability to compete with elite teams like Georgia, Alabama, and even up-and-coming programs like Ole Miss will rely on the quality of coaching at every level.

2.1 The Departure of Key Assistants

This offseason saw some high-profile coaching changes at LSU. Matt House, the defensive coordinator who helped shape LSU’s defense into a formidable unit, left the program for an opportunity in the NFL. House’s departure has created a void that Kelly and his staff will need to fill in order to maintain the Tigers’ defensive edge. LSU’s defense, particularly under House, showed considerable improvement in 2023, and House’s departure will necessitate a well-thought-out decision to find a replacement who can continue to build on that success.

Additionally, Joe Sloan, LSU’s quarterbacks coach, left the program to take another coaching opportunity. Sloan had played a pivotal role in developing Jayden Daniels and will be missed for his work with the quarterbacks. As LSU looks ahead to 2024, finding a new coach to work closely with Daniels—and future quarterbacks—is vital for the continued growth of the offense.

2.2 New Coaching Hires and Adjustments

In response to these departures, Kelly has already made some key hires to reshape the coaching staff for 2024 and beyond. First, Jesse Minter, a highly-regarded defensive mind who spent time as Michigan’s defensive coordinator, has been brought in to fill the void left by Matt House. Minter’s defenses are known for being aggressive and disciplined, two qualities that align perfectly with the type of program Kelly has built at LSU.

Minter’s appointment is particularly significant because LSU has struggled to defend against high-powered offenses in the SEC. With Georgia and Alabama continuing to set the standard for college football, LSU needs a defense that can disrupt these offensive juggernauts. Minter’s style is expected to bring a more aggressive, attacking approach to LSU’s defense, allowing the Tigers to apply more pressure on opposing quarterbacks and reduce big-play opportunities.

On the offensive side of the ball, Kelly has also made a strategic adjustment by bringing in Kenny Dillingham, who has experience coaching at both the collegiate and professional levels. Dillingham’s ability to work with mobile quarterbacks and develop a high-powered offense fits perfectly with LSU’s current personnel. His focus on dynamic playcalling and adaptability will provide LSU with an offensive scheme that can keep pace with the elite programs in the SEC, particularly in high-scoring shootouts.

3. Recruiting Adjustments: Building for the Future

One of the most important factors in LSU’s offseason is its continued emphasis on recruiting. The recruiting landscape in college football is more competitive than ever, especially in the SEC, where programs like Alabama, Georgia, and Tennessee continue to secure some of the nation’s top talent.

Under Brian Kelly, LSU has been recruiting at an elite level, consistently landing top-tier talent. The program’s ability to recruit in-state players has always been a strong point, but Kelly has expanded LSU’s recruiting footprint, securing top talent from across the nation. In particular, LSU’s 2024 recruiting class has been touted as one of the best in the country, with top prospects at nearly every position.

Jayden Osbourne, a 5-star defensive back, and Brock Hardy, a 4-star running back, are among the big names joining the Tigers for the 2024 season. These players, along with several others, will add much-needed depth to an already talented roster. The emphasis on recruiting dynamic, versatile players who can make an immediate impact is a key element of LSU’s strategy going forward.

Additionally, LSU’s continued use of the transfer portal to augment its roster has been a hallmark of Brian Kelly’s tenure. The transfer portal has allowed LSU to fill key holes in the lineup, particularly along the offensive and defensive lines. Kelly’s ability to identify and recruit players who can make an immediate impact has been critical in his effort to maintain LSU’s competitive edge.

4. LSU’s Position in the SEC: Challenges and Opportunities

The SEC is known for its grueling schedule and fierce competition, and LSU’s position within the conference is one of constant evolution. The Tigers are a historic program with a rich football tradition, but the road to the College Football Playoff is a difficult one, especially when you consider the strength of programs like Georgia, Alabama, and Tennessee.

In 2024, LSU will face some of the most difficult matchups of any team in college football. Road games against Alabama and Ole Miss will test LSU’s resolve, and a neutral-site game against Florida State will provide an early-season litmus test for the Tigers. The ability to win tough, physical SEC games—especially in hostile environments—will be the key to LSU’s chances of competing for an SEC title and, potentially, a spot in the College Football Playoff.

However, with the changes happening in the program—both on the field and behind the scenes—LSU is positioned to be a serious contender. The combination of a dynamic offense, an improved defense under Minter, and a renewed focus on recruiting makes the Tigers a dangerous team in the years ahead.