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

When discussing the LSU Tigers football program and its future under head coach Brian Kelly, one of the most exciting additions to the coaching staff in 2025 is the hiring of Alex Atkins as the potential run game coordinator. Atkins, who has built a reputation as one of the brightest minds in college football, will be tasked with improving LSU’s running game—a critical element in ensuring their continued success, particularly in a physically demanding conference like the SEC.

Atkins brings with him a wealth of experience, impressive accomplishments, and a detailed understanding of how to build an offense that can both control the line of scrimmage and create explosive plays. As LSU supporters look ahead to the 2025 season, it’s important to understand why Atkins’ hiring could significantly impact the Tigers’ offense and how he can contribute to their championship aspirations.

In this article, we will dive into five facts about Alex Atkins that LSU supporters should know. These facts cover his coaching background, his expertise in the run game, his approach to player development, and his potential influence on the Tigers’ future.

1. Alex Atkins Has Proven Himself as a Run Game Guru

One of the most important aspects of Alex Atkins’ career has been his proven ability to develop and implement effective run game schemes. As the run game coordinator at Florida Atlantic University (FAU) and later at Florida State University (FSU), Atkins developed a reputation for creating rushing attacks that not only dominated in terms of yardage but also provided balance to the offense. His success in managing the run game and tailoring it to his personnel makes him an ideal candidate to help LSU balance out their offensive approach.

At Florida State, Atkins took over as the offensive line coach and eventually became the run game coordinator. During his tenure, the Seminoles enjoyed substantial success, particularly in 2022 and 2023, where FSU saw massive improvements in its rushing attack, averaging over 200 yards per game in consecutive seasons. Under his tutelage, FSU produced one of the top rushing offenses in the country, and it was no accident. Atkins is known for his emphasis on physicality, technique, and leveraging the power of the offensive line to create running lanes.

At LSU, he will look to implement many of the same principles that helped FSU find success. This includes teaching his offensive linemen how to move defenders off the ball with a focus on pad level, hand placement, and leverage. For LSU to achieve consistent success on the ground, they will need to execute run plays effectively and exploit defensive weaknesses—both of which Atkins has demonstrated an ability to do at an elite level.

2. Atkins Has Extensive Experience Developing Offensive Linemen

One of the cornerstones of any effective running game is a dominant offensive line. Alex Atkins’ ability to develop offensive linemen into dynamic, aggressive players is one of the main reasons he was hired as the run game coordinator at LSU. Atkins’ background as an offensive line coach has been key to his success, particularly in helping young players develop and mature into polished contributors.

While coaching at Florida State, Atkins helped develop several offensive linemen who went on to earn NFL draft picks. Notably, he played a role in the development of Robert Scott Jr., Darius Washington, and Devontay Love-Taylor, who were all highly regarded as part of FSU’s revitalized offensive line. The attention Atkins gave to the fundamentals of pass blocking and run blocking helped these linemen understand how to be successful in both areas. The same principles will apply at LSU, where the Tigers have an abundance of talent on the offensive line.

In 2025, Atkins will have to work with a mixture of experienced veterans and younger, less proven linemen, making his ability to develop raw talent even more important. LSU’s offensive line will need to gel and perform at a high level to ensure that the run game remains effective throughout the season, especially given the challenges of SEC competition.

3. Alex Atkins Brings Versatility to the LSU Offense

Atkins’ approach to the run game isn’t confined to just one scheme or philosophy; instead, he brings a versatile playbook that can be adapted to various opponents and situations. While many coaches emphasize one specific style of running game, Atkins has shown a willingness to tailor his approach to the strengths and weaknesses of his players. Whether it’s power running, zone schemes, or using misdirection and motion to confuse defenses, Atkins has shown that he’s capable of keeping opposing defenses guessing and creating explosive plays in the ground game.

This versatility is critical for LSU as they aim to compete for an SEC Championship and beyond. The Tigers will face tough defenses throughout the season, and being able to adapt and find ways to move the ball effectively on the ground will be essential. By using different types of running plays—whether that be inside zone, outside zone, or power runs—Atkins gives his offensive players the ability to adjust to the flow of the game, and he helps keep the opposing defense off-balance.

Atkins’ ability to diversify the run game also plays into LSU’s larger offensive strategy. With a quarterback like Jayden Daniels, who is known for his mobility, the Tigers could use designed quarterback runs and RPOs (run-pass options) in conjunction with traditional running back runs. Atkins’ experience with multi-faceted offenses at Florida State and FAU will be invaluable in helping LSU find balance on offense.

4. Atkins Has a Reputation for Player Development

One of the most important factors in any coaching staff is the development of players. Alex Atkins has built a reputation as a coach who is not only able to bring out the best in his players but also consistently improve them over time. The ability to take raw talent and develop it into elite skill is what sets Atkins apart from many other coaches in the country. At Florida State, his players were known for their improvement from season to season, and many of them went on to have successful careers in college football and the NFL.

At LSU, Atkins will be tasked with developing a running back committee that includes talented players like Josh Williams, Noah Cain, and incoming freshmen who could make an immediate impact. The key to LSU’s success in the running game will be player development, and Atkins’ ability to maximize his running backs’ potential will be a major factor. He is also known for working with offensive linemen to develop their skills in key areas, including footwork, punching, and leverage.

The 2025 season will see a revamped offense for LSU, and much of its success in the running game will depend on how well Atkins is able to develop his personnel. As with any position, consistency is key, and the run game coordinator will need to establish both a foundational understanding of technique and an ability to make in-game adjustments.

5. Atkins’ Coaching Philosophy Is Focused on Physicality and Balance

One of the defining characteristics of Alex Atkins’ coaching style is his emphasis on physicality. His approach is not just about scheming but also about ensuring his players are prepared for the physicality of SEC football. At Florida State, Atkins’ offense was built on toughness in both the run and pass game, with an emphasis on winning the line of scrimmage. He believes that if an offensive line can control the trenches and the backs can consistently gain yards on the ground, it opens up opportunities for explosive plays through the air.

This focus on balance is critical for LSU as it looks to compete in the loaded SEC. In recent seasons, the Tigers have shown flashes of brilliance on offense but have also struggled at times to establish consistency, particularly in the run game. By improving the offensive line’s physicality and developing a powerful rushing attack, Atkins will help LSU establish balance and reduce the pressure on quarterback Jayden Daniels, allowing him to thrive in a more diverse offensive scheme.