Five facts regarding Alex Atkins, the run game coordinator, that LSU supporters should be aware of

In college football, the offensive line and running game are often considered the backbone of a successful program. For LSU, the recent hiring of Alex Atkins as the run game coordinator has sparked excitement among fans who are eager to see how he will help elevate the Tigers’ offense. Atkins comes to LSU with a wealth of experience, a proven track record, and a unique philosophy on running the football. His role will be crucial in helping LSU build an offense that is both explosive and balanced in the competitive Southeastern Conference (SEC).

As LSU supporters eagerly anticipate the 2025 season, understanding who Alex Atkins is, his coaching philosophy, and his prior successes can provide valuable insight into the future of the Tigers’ running game. Here are five key facts about Atkins that LSU fans should know.

1. Proven Track Record as an Offensive Line Coach

Before being named LSU’s run game coordinator, Alex Atkins built an impressive resume as an offensive line coach, where his focus on the trenches paid major dividends for the programs he worked with. Atkins’ ability to develop offensive linemen has been one of his standout traits. His experience with both developing individual talent and constructing dynamic offensive lines has earned him recognition throughout the football world.

Atkins spent several years as the offensive line coach and run game coordinator at Charlotte (2017-2019), where he began to gain widespread attention for his ability to turn around struggling units. Under Atkins, Charlotte’s offensive line became more cohesive, and the running game saw a marked improvement. The 49ers’ rushing attack became more powerful and efficient, helping the team achieve greater success on offense. Atkins’ work was especially impressive in creating running lanes and ensuring that running backs had the ability to gain yards after contact.

Atkins continued his success as an offensive line coach at Florida State, where he was hired as the offensive line coach and run game coordinator in 2020. During his time in Tallahassee, he transformed the Seminoles’ offensive line into one of the better units in the ACC, paving the way for a more balanced offense. His ability to develop offensive linemen at Florida State helped build the foundation for the program’s resurgence.

Atkins’ impressive track record at both Charlotte and Florida State proves that he has the experience necessary to shape LSU’s offensive line into one of the SEC’s most dominant forces. With his arrival in Baton Rouge, LSU fans can expect a physical, powerful running game that features a well-coached offensive line and the ability to dominate in the trenches.

2. Strong Emphasis on Fundamentals and Technique

One of the primary reasons for Alex Atkins’ success as a run game coordinator and offensive line coach has been his focus on fundamentals and technique. Atkins has consistently stressed the importance of individual technique in his coaching philosophy. Whether it’s footwork, hand placement, pad level, or leverage, Atkins ensures that his players have the necessary tools to perform at their highest level.

Atkins’ attention to detail has paid off, as his offensive lines have consistently excelled in blocking schemes, both in the run and pass games. By emphasizing the basics of offensive line play, Atkins is able to create offensive lines that are not only effective but also able to sustain success over the course of a season. The ability to coach up offensive linemen to play with consistency and efficiency is one of the hallmarks of Atkins’ career.

At LSU, where elite talent is recruited year after year, Atkins will focus on perfecting the fundamentals with his offensive line group. The goal will be to build a strong foundation that allows for explosive plays in the running game, but also one that adapts to different schemes and opponents. With the SEC’s defensive lines being some of the toughest in the country, Atkins’ commitment to fundamentals will help LSU stay competitive and ensure that their offensive line can withstand the pressure of elite defenses.

3. Effective Run Schemes Tailored to the Players

Another key strength of Alex Atkins is his ability to tailor his run schemes to the unique strengths of the players he has on the roster. Atkins is known for developing dynamic rushing attacks that feature a variety of run concepts and plays, making it difficult for defenses to predict or adjust. His play-calling is rooted in his understanding of what his offensive line and running backs can do best.

At Florida State, Atkins implemented a balanced run scheme that blended power running concepts with zone blocking. This approach allowed the Seminoles to exploit defensive weaknesses and consistently churn out positive yardage. Atkins’ schemes often feature both gap-based runs and zone runs, which require offensive linemen to be versatile in their assignments and capable of adapting to different situations.

At LSU, Atkins will have a similar opportunity to tailor his run schemes to the strengths of the Tigers’ personnel. With talented running backs like Josh Williams and Noah Cain on the roster, Atkins will be able to use his varied run schemes to keep defenses on their heels. Additionally, with quarterback Jayden Daniels being a dual-threat player capable of contributing in the running game, Atkins can use option concepts and zone reads to maximize LSU’s rushing attack and keep opposing defenses guessing.

The ability to tailor his approach to the specific players on the roster is one of the reasons why Atkins has been successful at each of his previous stops, and LSU fans can expect a similarly adaptable and effective run game under his leadership.

4. A Focus on Developing Running Backs and Offensive Linemen

While Atkins is known for coaching offensive linemen, his ability to work with running backs has also been a key aspect of his success as a run game coordinator. Atkins understands that the relationship between the offensive line and the running back is essential for success in the running game. His experience in developing running backs to read blocks, set up defenders, and take advantage of running lanes will be crucial for LSU’s offensive strategy moving forward.

At Florida State, Atkins worked with talented running backs, helping them improve in vision, ball security, and decision-making. He was instrumental in creating running backs who were not only explosive but also patient and intelligent in their runs. The combination of elite offensive line play and effective running back development under Atkins led to some of Florida State’s most successful seasons on the ground.

For LSU, this partnership between Atkins and the Tigers’ running backs could lead to a truly dynamic backfield. With the offensive line getting stronger and more disciplined under Atkins’ tutelage, LSU’s running backs will be in a position to maximize their productivity. Whether it’s with quick burst runs, power runs, or outside zone concepts, LSU fans can expect a run game that is highly efficient and adaptable to different opponents.

5. Commitment to Building a Championship-Caliber Program

Alex Atkins’ vision goes beyond just having a successful running game. His ultimate goal is to help build a program that is consistently competing for championships. Atkins understands that a dominant run game is not just about gaining yards on the ground—it’s about controlling the tempo of the game, setting up the passing game, and wearing down opposing defenses. By establishing a physical and punishing run game, Atkins’ approach will help LSU become a more balanced and complete team.

Atkins’ ability to build strong relationships with his players, instill discipline, and create a culture of toughness is one of the reasons he has been so successful as a coach. His leadership style emphasizes hard work, attention to detail, and the pursuit of excellence—qualities that will benefit LSU’s offensive line and running backs in the long term. By developing an elite run game, Atkins will be contributing to LSU’s overall quest for a championship, as the ability to dominate on the ground is crucial to winning in the SEC and beyond.

Under Atkins’ leadership, LSU’s offensive line and running game will serve as the foundation of a program that aspires to compete at the highest level year in and year out. His focus on building a championship-caliber offense will help set LSU apart from its competition and ensure that the Tigers remain a top-tier program in the SEC.