Brian Kelly Makes Two New Hires: Two Skilled Coaches Join LSU Football

In the world of college football, coaching changes are part of the cyclical nature of the sport. Teams continuously evolve as they search for fresh ideas, new strategies, and better ways to achieve success. For Brian Kelly, the head coach of the LSU Tigers, making the right hires can be a crucial step in building upon the momentum of a successful program. With the start of the 2025 season fast approaching, Kelly has made two significant hires that have captured the attention of both fans and experts alike.

Both hires are designed to help LSU build on its recent success while addressing areas that could elevate the team even further in its quest for dominance in the Southeastern Conference (SEC) and on the national stage. As the Tigers continue to chase greatness, these new additions are seen as key pieces of the puzzle in ensuring that LSU remains one of the most competitive programs in college football.

The Background on Brian Kelly’s Approach to LSU Football

When Brian Kelly was hired as LSU’s head coach in 2022, he inherited a program rich in talent but one that had struggled to reach its full potential in recent years. Kelly, a proven winner at Notre Dame, brought with him a reputation for meticulous preparation, disciplined coaching, and strong organizational skills. His arrival was a welcomed breath of fresh air, as he emphasized building a cohesive program and restoring LSU’s identity as a powerhouse.

In his first season, Kelly led the Tigers to a successful campaign, finishing with a respectable record and earning a berth in the SEC Championship Game. LSU’s performance under Kelly was built on a strong defense, a revitalized offensive scheme, and a focus on developing young players. However, as with any coach aiming for the pinnacle of college football, there were areas that still needed improvement.

Knowing the importance of surrounding himself with a top-tier coaching staff, Kelly’s hires for the 2025 season are critical. These coaches bring experience, fresh ideas, and a skill set that complements Kelly’s vision for the future of LSU football. Let’s take a closer look at the two new hires.

1. New Offensive Coordinator: Michael McDonald

Michael McDonald, a well-regarded coach with deep experience in offensive systems, has been hired as the new offensive coordinator at LSU. McDonald’s hire is a major step forward for the Tigers, as Kelly recognized that improving the offensive side of the ball is a key focus for the team moving forward. While LSU’s offense showed flashes of brilliance, there were moments of inconsistency in the passing game, and the running game often failed to find a rhythm. With McDonald’s addition, Kelly hopes to refine the offensive approach and maximize the talents of the team’s star players.

McDonald’s journey to LSU has been marked by significant accomplishments and steady progress. Most recently, he served as the offensive coordinator at Northwestern University, where he turned around an underperforming offense into a competitive unit in one of the toughest conferences in the country. Under his leadership, the Wildcats improved dramatically in key areas, including total yardage, scoring, and red-zone efficiency. What makes McDonald particularly appealing is his ability to tailor offensive schemes to the strengths of his players, rather than forcing a one-size-fits-all approach.

In addition to his work at Northwestern, McDonald has held coaching positions at several top programs, including stints as an assistant offensive coordinator at Michigan and Florida State. His knowledge of diverse offensive systems, including both spread and pro-style schemes, gives him the flexibility to adjust based on the personnel available. This is important for LSU, where Kelly has already recruited a variety of talented skill players who need to be utilized in creative ways to reach their full potential.

McDonald’s hiring is also seen as a response to the growing need for an offense that can match up with the high-scoring attacks that have dominated college football in recent years. The SEC is filled with explosive offenses, and LSU needs an offensive coordinator who can not only keep pace but also create a unit capable of putting up big numbers and winning shootouts. With McDonald at the helm, LSU fans can expect to see a more dynamic, balanced, and high-powered offense.

What McDonald Brings to LSU’s Offensive Scheme

One of the biggest benefits of McDonald’s offensive philosophy is his ability to develop quarterbacks. At Northwestern, McDonald worked closely with quarterbacks to elevate their games, and his attention to detail paid off with improved play under center. LSU’s quarterback situation is crucial in 2025, as the Tigers are looking for stability and leadership following the departure of star quarterback Jayden Daniels. McDonald’s ability to work with young quarterbacks and build a system around their strengths will be critical in ensuring LSU’s signal-caller is set up for success.

Additionally, McDonald’s experience in running a fast-paced offense is another reason why he is seen as an excellent fit for LSU. The Tigers have the playmakers necessary to run an up-tempo offense that puts pressure on opposing defenses. With playmakers at running back, wide receiver, and tight end, McDonald’s system will likely emphasize quick decision-making, spreading the field, and creating mismatches that force defenses into difficult positions.

His incorporation of motion, play-action, and multiple formations will keep opposing defenses guessing. In 2025, LSU will have a roster full of weapons, and McDonald’s job will be to unlock the full potential of these players. Whether it’s stretching the field with deep passes or establishing a powerful ground game, McDonald’s versatility will give LSU the flexibility to control games and outmaneuver opponents.

2. New Defensive Line Coach: Ron Roberts

While LSU’s offense has shown promise, the Tigers have long prided themselves on their dominant defense. To continue their tradition of producing elite defenses, Brian Kelly made another crucial hire in bringing in Ron Roberts as the team’s new defensive line coach. Roberts, who has spent years coaching in both college and the NFL, is known for his ability to develop disruptive defensive linemen capable of changing the course of a game.

Roberts’ coaching career includes stints with top-tier programs such as Texas A&M, Miami, and Georgia, where he developed some of the most feared pass rushers in the country. His reputation for getting the most out of his defensive line units is unmatched, and LSU hopes that he can have the same effect on their current group of defensive linemen, who have the talent but have struggled with consistency at times.

Roberts’ experience with multiple defensive fronts and his extensive knowledge of both 4-3 and 3-4 systems allows him to tailor his coaching style to the personnel available. LSU has a deep defensive line, with athletes who can thrive in different roles. Whether it’s pressuring the quarterback with a strong pass rush or clogging up the running lanes with stout defensive tackles, Roberts will be tasked with maximizing the potential of LSU’s front seven.

One of the key advantages of Roberts’ hire is his emphasis on technique and fundamentals. He is known for breaking down each player’s individual strengths and weaknesses, making sure that every defensive lineman is sound in their approach. His focus on hand placement, footwork, and leverage will be pivotal in improving LSU’s pass rush and run defense. In the SEC, where offenses are fast and physical, the defensive line is often the difference between success and failure, and Roberts’ experience will be invaluable in shaping LSU’s defense.

How These Hires Impact LSU’s Future

Together, these two hires—Michael McDonald and Ron Roberts—represent a balanced approach to building a championship contender at LSU. McDonald’s ability to craft a high-powered, diverse offense will help LSU remain competitive in shootout-style games, while Roberts’ defensive expertise will ensure that the Tigers continue to dominate on the defensive side of the ball.

In the SEC, where competition is fierce and every game is a test, having a stable offensive coordinator and a proven defensive line coach is critical. McDonald’s hiring addresses the need to keep up with high-scoring offenses, while Roberts’ hiring is designed to ensure that LSU’s defense remains elite, capable of stopping the explosive attacks the team will face in its conference schedule.

Beyond just strategy, these hires also represent a commitment to LSU’s long-term future. Brian Kelly has already proven himself capable of leading the Tigers to success, and with these two skilled coaches joining his staff, LSU’s program is poised for sustained excellence. With an offensive coordinator who can innovate and a defensive line coach who can develop stars, LSU will continue to attract top recruits and compete at the highest level for years to come.