Matt McMahon, the head coach of LSU basketball, is expected to return the following season.

As the 2025 basketball season progresses, all eyes are on the LSU Tigers men’s basketball program, particularly on head coach Matt McMahon. After a series of challenges, rebuilding efforts, and gradual improvement, McMahon is poised to return for the following season, continuing his leadership role for the Tigers. McMahon’s future as LSU’s head coach has been a topic of discussion among fans, analysts, and basketball enthusiasts alike, but with the trajectory he has set for the program and the steps taken to build a competitive team, it appears McMahon’s tenure at LSU is far from over.

While every season in the competitive world of college basketball brings its own set of hurdles, McMahon has shown resilience, adaptability, and a clear vision for how he plans to elevate LSU basketball to a level of sustained success. His continued presence as head coach for the upcoming season indicates that the LSU Tigers are on the right path, with optimism for the future and a long-term commitment to developing both the team and the program as a whole.

In this article, we will explore the factors leading to McMahon’s expected return, how his leadership has shaped LSU basketball, what his plans are moving forward, and why he is the right man to continue leading the Tigers into the future.

The 2024-2025 Season: Progress Amid Challenges

When Matt McMahon took over as LSU’s head basketball coach prior to the 2022-2023 season, the program was at a crossroads. After a highly successful tenure under previous head coach Will Wade, LSU found itself facing NCAA investigations and a challenging recruiting environment, with several key players transferring or departing. The program’s reputation had been clouded by controversy, and McMahon inherited a team that was in need of significant retooling.

Despite those early challenges, McMahon quickly made it clear that he had a vision for the future, one that involved not only rebuilding the team but also restoring the LSU basketball program’s reputation as a competitive force in the Southeastern Conference (SEC). His approach focused on creating a new culture of discipline, accountability, and player development. As the 2024-2025 season unfolded, LSU basketball began to show signs of growth, with McMahon’s recruiting efforts starting to pay off, and the team’s on-court performance showing signs of improvement.

While LSU has had its fair share of struggles in terms of consistency, particularly in early SEC play, McMahon’s leadership has allowed the Tigers to remain competitive in one of the most challenging conferences in college basketball. His ability to recruit talent and blend that talent with his coaching philosophy has been a key factor in the team’s development over the past two seasons.

McMahon’s Recruiting Success and Program Building

One of the key elements of Matt McMahon’s strategy has been a focus on recruiting players who fit the system he wants to implement at LSU. McMahon has shown a keen eye for talent and has worked tirelessly to bring in players who are not only skilled but also understand the work ethic and mentality required to succeed at the highest level. His recruiting has been a crucial part of the foundation he’s building at LSU.

When McMahon arrived at LSU, the roster was in flux, and the team needed a complete overhaul. Several key players transferred out, and McMahon wasted no time in using the transfer portal to bring in talented players who could make an immediate impact. In addition to the transfers, McMahon also focused on recruiting high school talent that would fit the program’s needs both immediately and long-term.

One of the most notable moves McMahon made was bringing in KJ Williams, a standout forward from Murray State, where McMahon had previously coached. Williams, who had already been a highly productive player at the mid-major level, made an immediate impact at LSU. He became the team’s most consistent player, providing leadership and scoring ability in the post. Williams’ success served as a testament to McMahon’s ability to identify and develop talent, even in a high-pressure environment like the SEC.

In addition to Williams, McMahon has continued to build LSU’s roster through strategic transfers and solid high school recruits. The balance between experience and youth on the roster has allowed the Tigers to grow and develop at a steady pace, and McMahon has already shown that his system can thrive even when faced with challenges. His ability to adapt his coaching style to the players at his disposal has been one of his strengths, and it is expected to continue to pay dividends as the program progresses.

The Culture of LSU Basketball Under McMahon

One of the most important elements of any successful program is the culture that is cultivated by its coach, and Matt McMahon has worked hard to instill a new culture within LSU basketball. The program had faced a significant amount of turmoil before McMahon’s arrival, and rebuilding the program’s identity was as much about restoring the right culture as it was about improving performance on the court.

McMahon has been deliberate in his efforts to establish a culture based on discipline, hard work, and accountability. His emphasis on defense, team-oriented play, and a strong work ethic has gradually taken hold, and the results are becoming evident. Under McMahon’s leadership, LSU has become known for its tenacious defense and its ability to grind out victories even when things aren’t going perfectly on offense.

Another key element of McMahon’s coaching style is his focus on player development. He recognizes that LSU’s success will depend not only on bringing in talented recruits but also on maximizing the potential of the players already on the roster. McMahon’s commitment to developing his players has already yielded results, with many of his athletes improving their skills year over year. This is a testament to McMahon’s coaching acumen and his ability to build a program that not only competes at a high level but also continues to grow and improve over time.

The SEC Challenge: Competitiveness and Progress

The Southeastern Conference is widely regarded as one of the toughest basketball conferences in the country. LSU faces a gauntlet of competition each year, with teams like Kentucky, Tennessee, Alabama, and Arkansas consistently ranked among the nation’s best. For McMahon, navigating the rigors of SEC play has been one of the most challenging aspects of his tenure, but it has also provided invaluable experience for the Tigers and their development.

While LSU has had its struggles in terms of wins and losses, particularly in the early part of McMahon’s tenure, the team’s overall competitiveness has been a positive sign. LSU has managed to compete with some of the top teams in the SEC, and the Tigers’ strong play against high-ranked teams shows that they are trending in the right direction. As McMahon continues to build his program, he has emphasized the importance of competing at a high level within the SEC, even if it means facing setbacks along the way.

The SEC is a brutal conference where no game is ever easy, but McMahon’s ability to keep his team focused and competitive has been one of his standout qualities. The growth and development of the team, despite the challenges, is a testament to McMahon’s coaching and leadership. His ability to compete in such a tough environment is a strong indicator that LSU is on the right path, and the team’s success in the coming seasons is expected to mirror that growth.

LSU’s Future with McMahon at the Helm

With McMahon expected to return for the following season, LSU fans have reason to be excited about the future of the program. While the team’s immediate results may still fluctuate, McMahon’s long-term vision for the program is clear, and his ability to recruit, develop players, and compete in the SEC bodes well for LSU basketball.

For the upcoming season, LSU is expected to continue building on the momentum of the 2024-2025 campaign. McMahon’s roster will continue to evolve, with new recruits and transfers adding depth to an already promising group. Additionally, the program’s emphasis on player development will likely lead to further improvements from players who have been with the program for multiple seasons.

With McMahon’s leadership, LSU has the potential to return to the top of the SEC and become a perennial contender in NCAA tournament discussions. The key to achieving that success will be maintaining consistency, building strong recruiting classes, and continuing to develop the program’s culture of hard work and accountability.