LSU Offensive Coordinator Joe Sloan Delivers In Rare Press Conference – Garrett Nussmeier Must ‘Run More’

In an unusual but highly anticipated press conference earlier this offseason, LSU Offensive Coordinator Joe Sloan took center stage to discuss the direction of the Tigers’ offense and to provide insight into some of the key areas of focus as the team prepares for the upcoming season. One of the standout topics from the press conference was the performance and potential of Garrett Nussmeier, the talented sophomore quarterback. Sloan, known for his no-nonsense approach, had a clear and direct message regarding Nussmeier’s development: he needs to be more dynamic with his legs and “run more.”

While this may have raised some eyebrows, Sloan’s comments were carefully considered, shedding light on how Nussmeier’s mobility and decision-making could be crucial in LSU’s offensive strategy moving forward. As LSU aims to compete for championships in the ever-competitive SEC, the ability to maximize the strengths of the team’s quarterback position is paramount. For Nussmeier, this means adding another layer to his game by incorporating his running ability.

Here’s a deep dive into Sloan’s remarks, how Nussmeier fits into LSU’s evolving offensive system, and why running more is exactly what the Tigers’ offense might need to take the next step.

Sloan’s Vision for LSU’s Offense

Joe Sloan, who took over as LSU’s offensive coordinator in 2022, has built a reputation for his meticulous and methodical approach to offensive football. Known for his ability to develop quarterbacks and offensive systems that balance both power and finesse, Sloan has faced the challenge of bringing LSU’s offense back to prominence. After a rough stretch in 2022, the Tigers showed significant improvement in 2023, but there’s still work to be done in order to become a top-tier offensive powerhouse in the SEC.

“We want to have a balanced offense that can attack from all angles,” Sloan explained during his press conference. “Our goal is to put our quarterback in a position to succeed and make plays with both his arm and his legs. That’s what we’re building toward here at LSU.”

Sloan highlighted how important it is for the offense to evolve and stay unpredictable, keeping opposing defenses on their toes. A key part of that unpredictability, he believes, lies in Garrett Nussmeier’s ability to be a dual-threat quarterback—someone who can extend plays with his legs and create opportunities not just as a pocket passer but also as a scrambler when the situation demands it.

The Case for Nussmeier’s Mobility

One of the primary reasons Sloan’s comments about Nussmeier’s need to run more have generated so much attention is because the quarterback has been primarily known for his strong arm and passing ability rather than his scrambling skills. Nussmeier, a highly touted recruit out of high school, came to LSU with the reputation of being an exceptional passer with accuracy and velocity. As a freshman, he showed glimpses of his potential, but he has yet to truly embrace the full breadth of his dual-threat capabilities.

“It’s about maximizing his potential,” Sloan said. “Garrett is a very gifted quarterback with a cannon for an arm. But the thing I want to see more of is his ability to make plays with his legs. We want him to be unpredictable and to give defenses something else to worry about when they’re trying to defend our offense.”

At times last season, Nussmeier’s lack of mobility was evident, as he relied heavily on his arm to make plays. When faced with pressure, he often resorted to trying to make a difficult throw rather than taking off and gaining valuable yardage with his legs. Sloan is clear that in today’s college football landscape, a quarterback who can use his legs to extend plays or pick up crucial first downs is not just a luxury—it’s a necessity.

“I’m not asking Garrett to run like a track star,” Sloan clarified. “But I do want him to use his legs more often when the situation calls for it. Sometimes it’s not about forcing a pass downfield when you can pick up eight or ten yards with your legs. That’s going to help our offense be more efficient and dynamic.”

Sloan pointed out that the evolution of the quarterback position has shifted over the last decade, with dual-threat quarterbacks becoming more of a norm. Quarterbacks like Lamar Jackson, Patrick Mahomes, and Jalen Hurts have redefined the position by adding the dimension of mobility to their game. Sloan sees that same potential in Nussmeier and wants him to begin tapping into it, even if it’s in a more controlled, situational manner.

Quarterback Play in the SEC

Playing quarterback in the Southeastern Conference (SEC) presents its own unique challenges. Defenses are faster, stronger, and more aggressive than in most other conferences, and quarterbacks must adapt to the constant pressure. Nussmeier, like many quarterbacks, found himself under duress frequently last season, as SEC defenses are known for bringing intense pass rushes.

“Garrett has all the physical tools to succeed,” Sloan said. “He’s got the arm strength, the vision, and the decision-making ability. But what we need is for him to become more dangerous outside the pocket. There’s no question that when things break down, the best quarterbacks in the league are able to make something happen with their legs.”

While Nussmeier has shown flashes of athleticism—particularly in scrambling away from pressure—he hasn’t yet consistently used his mobility to pick up first downs or to keep the defense honest. SEC defenses, particularly those at schools like Alabama, Georgia, and Texas A&M, will exploit a stationary quarterback. Sloan knows that making Nussmeier a legitimate dual-threat weapon will give LSU the ability to attack defenses in multiple ways, making the offense that much harder to defend.

“If Garrett can get to the point where he’s making defenses account for his legs as much as his arm, that’s when you start seeing the offense really click,” Sloan continued. “It changes everything—whether it’s extending a play, avoiding a sack, or picking up a key first down in a critical situation.”

Nussmeier’s Growth and Learning Curve

Sloan made it clear that the coaching staff isn’t asking Nussmeier to abandon his passing-first mentality. Rather, they want him to have the confidence to use his legs when the opportunity presents itself. The process, however, will require time and patience. Part of Nussmeier’s growth in this area will be developing a more instinctual sense of when to run and when to throw the football away.

“The key here is not just running for the sake of running,” Sloan explained. “It’s about making the right decision in the moment. There’s a balance. Sometimes, when the pocket collapses, you need to scramble and make a play with your legs. But other times, you need to know when to step up in the pocket or get rid of the ball. We’re working on him recognizing those situations.”

Sloan emphasized that Nussmeier’s growth will come in stages. He’ll need to work on timing, understanding defensive schemes, and refining his decision-making process to become a more complete quarterback. The offseason has been a critical time for Nussmeier to fine-tune his mobility drills, and he’s already made strides in terms of quickness and speed, according to reports from LSU’s spring practices.

“We’re seeing Garrett get more comfortable in the pocket while also using his legs in the right situations,” Sloan noted. “He’s putting in the work, and it’s showing. We’re excited to see him take that next step.”

The LSU Offensive System and Nussmeier’s Role

The LSU offense under Joe Sloan’s guidance has become more diverse and flexible, focusing on spreading the field and creating mismatches. The addition of a mobile quarterback will allow LSU to further expand its playbook and incorporate more read-option plays, RPOs (run-pass options), and bootlegs—schemes that allow quarterbacks to use their legs to make plays. These types of plays would force opposing defenses to account for Nussmeier as a dual-threat quarterback, which could open up passing lanes for his wide receivers.

“Having a quarterback who can run opens up so many different possibilities for us,” Sloan said. “It creates more space for the backs, gives the receivers more opportunities to get open, and forces defenses to play more honestly. Garrett can be that guy for us.”

For LSU’s offense to be truly explosive, Nussmeier’s mobility is going to be an essential piece of the puzzle. While his passing ability remains his primary strength, the ability to extend plays with his legs will make him a more dangerous weapon in LSU’s high-powered offense.