For the 2025 season, LSU Football has added an FCS Coordinator to Brian Kelly’s staff.
LSU Football Adds FCS Coordinator to Brian Kelly’s Staff for 2025 Season
In the ever-evolving landscape of college football, coaching staffs are constantly adjusting to maximize the performance of their players and develop comprehensive strategies that allow their teams to excel. One of the most intriguing additions to LSU Football’s coaching staff for the 2025 season is the hiring of a FCS Coordinator—a significant move that signals head coach Brian Kelly’s commitment to enhancing the Tigers’ program through a strategic blend of experience, creativity, and developmental insight.
This article will explore the significance of adding an FCS Coordinator to LSU’s staff, the potential impact on the team’s recruiting and development, and how this move fits into the broader philosophy of Brian Kelly as LSU heads into the 2025 season.
Understanding the Role of an FCS Coordinator
Before diving into the impact this new addition will have on LSU, it’s essential to understand what an FCS Coordinator does and why LSU would bring someone with this background onto their coaching staff.
The FCS, or Football Championship Subdivision, is the second tier of college football, beneath the FBS (Football Bowl Subdivision), which houses the largest programs like LSU. While FCS programs may not have the same level of resources, media exposure, or talent as the top-tier FBS programs, they are still competitive and offer a high level of football. Historically, several top FCS players have gone on to have successful NFL careers, with teams like North Dakota State, James Madison, and Montana State being known for developing solid players who often make a mark at the professional level.
An FCS Coordinator is typically someone who has gained significant experience coaching in the FCS ranks, particularly as an offensive or defensive coordinator, and has developed expertise in getting the most out of players who may not have the same physical talent or resources available to larger FBS schools. These coordinators are skilled in player development, creating innovative strategies, and fostering a “next man up” mentality that maximizes the potential of each player within the system.
For LSU, bringing in an FCS Coordinator can have several advantages:
- Recruiting Insight and Strategy – Having someone with experience in the FCS can offer LSU a unique perspective when it comes to scouting and recruiting players who may not be traditional FBS-level recruits but have immense potential.
- Development of Depth Players – The addition of an FCS Coordinator can provide a fresh approach to coaching players who may not be starters or immediate impact players but are still crucial to the team’s long-term success.
- Game Planning Innovation – FCS coordinators often bring fresh ideas and creative strategies that can be used in high-pressure situations, particularly when facing teams that may not have the same resources or talent but still manage to execute well in their schemes.
Now, let’s dive into the broader implications of this hire for LSU Football.
Why Brian Kelly Made the Move: A Philosophy of Balance and Development
Brian Kelly, who took over as LSU’s head coach in 2022, has quickly made his mark in Baton Rouge by blending his established reputation for developing talent with the rich history and resources of LSU. Kelly’s coaching philosophy emphasizes adaptability, player development, and tactical ingenuity.
Kelly’s history of success at Notre Dame proves that he’s an expert in maximizing the talent at his disposal. While Notre Dame is a perennial power in college football, it doesn’t always land the same type of talent as SEC schools like LSU. Therefore, Kelly is no stranger to coaching players who may not always be the most physically gifted but can succeed with solid coaching and a well-structured program. This is where an FCS Coordinator’s experience becomes valuable—someone who has developed talent in a system where resources are more limited, and every player must make the most of their potential.
Incorporating this experience into LSU’s highly competitive environment will not only complement Kelly’s approach but will also allow him to maximize the talent at his disposal. LSU’s recruiting classes consistently rank among the best in the nation, but even the most talented rosters need strong developmental coaches who can identify underutilized potential and help players adjust to the speed and complexity of SEC football.
The Vision for the 2025 Season and Beyond
Looking ahead to the 2025 season, Brian Kelly is focused on creating a well-rounded program that excels across all facets of the game—offense, defense, and special teams. The hiring of an FCS Coordinator is a reflection of his vision to ensure the Tigers continue to grow, especially as they look to remain competitive within the loaded SEC.
In the past few seasons, Kelly has successfully infused LSU’s roster with talent, particularly in the trenches and skill positions. However, the SEC is known for its incredible depth, meaning that LSU’s players often face high levels of competition both in practice and on the field. To compete at the highest level, Kelly is seeking to further enhance his coaching staff to support players who may not immediately emerge as stars but are still critical to the Tigers’ success.
The FCS Coordinator’s primary responsibility will likely focus on a few key areas:
- Player Development – Every football program needs to have depth in its roster, and this often requires developing players who may not get the same spotlight as the top recruits. An FCS Coordinator’s experience will help cultivate talent in less-visible roles, turning those players into valuable contributors down the road.
- Tactical Innovation – The addition of someone with experience in the FCS can bring a new, fresh perspective to LSU’s game plan. FCS programs often operate with fewer resources, meaning coaches there must be innovative in their play calling and tactical decisions. This experience can bring new strategies to LSU, particularly in high-stakes games where every decision counts.
- Recruiting the Undervalued Athlete – Some of the best players in football come from smaller schools and FCS programs. With an FCS Coordinator on staff, LSU may gain access to a new pool of undervalued athletes who have the potential to thrive in Baton Rouge. This insight will help the Tigers recruit players who may have flown under the radar but could develop into significant contributors.
- Ensuring Depth and Versatility – College football seasons are long and full of injuries, so having depth is key to a program’s success. LSU needs players who can step in and execute when called upon, and this requires development of not only starters but also reserves who are ready to contribute when their numbers are called. The FCS Coordinator can help provide that depth by focusing on the development of younger or less experienced players.
What to Expect from the LSU Offense and Defense in 2025
As LSU looks to compete for a spot in the SEC Championship and the College Football Playoff in 2025, the addition of an FCS Coordinator should help in both offensive and defensive schemes.
Offensive Playbook and Strategy
On offense, LSU has traditionally been known for its explosive passing game and strong running backs, with a combination of elite athletes and top-notch coaching. The FCS Coordinator could bring a new perspective on creative offensive schemes that utilize all available weapons.
Expect to see a wider range of plays and more diverse offensive strategies in 2025. The coordinator could help LSU make use of unorthodox offensive sets or employ trick plays that catch opponents off guard. This could be especially useful against highly ranked teams in the SEC, where every advantage matters.
Additionally, the FCS Coordinator could help develop LSU’s depth at wide receiver, where the Tigers have an incredibly talented roster but might need a few players to step up and contribute immediately. This development will be crucial, as LSU often faces elite defenses from teams like Alabama, Georgia, and Texas A&M.
Defensive Game Plans and Development
Defensively, LSU has had a history of producing elite defenders who go on to play in the NFL. The addition of the FCS Coordinator could provide fresh insights into defensive scheming. An FCS Coordinator’s experience working with fewer resources may translate into a stronger focus on fundamentals and more emphasis on creating turnovers and disrupting offenses.
Given the high-powered offenses LSU regularly faces in the SEC, having a coordinator with an understanding of how to maximize defensive players—particularly in unexpected situations—could be a huge advantage.
