As staff changes continue in the midst of the College Football Playoffs, Brian Kelly and the LSU Tigers are radically changing this offseason.

The offseason for college football programs is often filled with uncertainty and change. For some, it’s a time of reflection, addressing weaknesses from the previous season, and building for the future. For others, it’s a radical transformation as the team looks to adjust its roster, coaching staff, and overall strategy to stay competitive. For Brian Kelly and the LSU Tigers, the offseason of 2025 is proving to be a time of significant change. In the midst of the ongoing College Football Playoffs, LSU is embarking on a bold new direction under Kelly’s leadership, which has resulted in a flurry of staff changes, roster adjustments, and a shift in the team’s approach moving forward.

Kelly, who arrived at LSU in 2022 with the goal of returning the program to its former glory, is fully aware that the landscape of college football has changed. As a coach with experience in building successful programs, including a tenure at Notre Dame, Kelly knows that staying competitive at the highest levels requires constant innovation, recruiting excellence, and adaptability. The 2024 season for LSU was a step in the right direction, but it also highlighted several areas where improvements could be made. Now, with the Tigers’ playoff aspirations dashed, the team’s future is taking shape, and Brian Kelly is making significant changes to ensure LSU remains a force in the SEC and on the national stage.

In this article, we’ll explore the changes taking place at LSU, the rationale behind these decisions, and what these changes mean for the program’s future. From key staff shake-ups to recruitment shifts and an evolving team dynamic, LSU’s offseason is one of the most closely watched in college football.

The Necessity of Change: A Season of Growth and Reflection

LSU’s 2024 season was a mixture of highs and lows. The Tigers showed flashes of brilliance, especially with standout performances from quarterback Jayden Daniels and an explosive offense that could keep pace with some of the best in the country. However, LSU also suffered some frustrating losses, including a blowout to Alabama that dashed their hopes of securing a playoff spot. This inconsistency prompted Kelly to reflect on the state of the program and look for ways to improve and build a more complete team.

Despite some notable wins, including an impressive victory over Mississippi State and a strong performance against Ole Miss, LSU’s inability to consistently perform against top-tier SEC teams like Alabama, Georgia, and others was evident. The loss to Alabama, in particular, highlighted the Tigers’ struggles on defense, where they allowed too many big plays and struggled to contain the Crimson Tide’s offense. These defensive vulnerabilities were one of the key reasons why LSU’s aspirations of a playoff berth came to an end.

As the 2024 season wrapped up and the team began preparing for 2025, Kelly knew that major adjustments would be necessary to take LSU to the next level. Whether it was finding a more consistent defensive approach, improving special teams, or making strategic changes on the coaching staff, Kelly knew that LSU could not afford to stand still. For a program with championship aspirations, mediocrity was not an option.

Brian Kelly’s Staff Changes: A New Vision for the Tigers

One of the most significant moves Kelly made during the offseason was overhauling his coaching staff. While the LSU Tigers already had an established coaching staff with several experienced coordinators and assistants, Kelly recognized that in order to compete for national championships, adjustments were needed. These staff changes reflect Kelly’s desire to build a more cohesive and balanced team, while also ensuring that LSU has the best possible minds working to address both offensive and defensive weaknesses.

Defensive Coordinator Shake-Up

The most talked-about change in the coaching staff was the hiring of a new defensive coordinator. In the modern era of college football, defense has become an even more critical factor, with teams needing to balance high-scoring offenses with strong, capable defenses. Despite some positive moments, LSU’s defense under previous coordinator Matt House struggled to keep up with some of the elite offenses in the SEC, especially in big games.

Kelly’s decision to hire a new defensive coordinator signals a shift in LSU’s approach to defense. The Tigers are moving away from a more traditional defensive scheme in favor of a more aggressive, hybrid model that incorporates multiple fronts, complex blitz packages, and innovative coverage schemes. This change is designed to keep opposing offenses guessing while allowing LSU to compete with the high-powered attacks that dominate the SEC.

The new defensive coordinator will have the task of developing a more disciplined, aggressive defense that can shut down the high-octane offenses of teams like Alabama, Georgia, and Ole Miss. With the talent already on LSU’s defense—featuring standout players like linebacker Harold Perkins Jr. and cornerback Kelee Ringo—this new system could give the Tigers the flexibility and versatility they need to improve their defensive consistency.

Changes on Offense: Rebuilding Around Jayden Daniels

Another major area of focus for Kelly in the offseason is LSU’s offensive strategy. The Tigers’ offense, led by quarterback Jayden Daniels, was one of the most explosive in the SEC, but it lacked the consistent balance that championship-caliber teams need. While Daniels was exceptional as a dual-threat quarterback, at times LSU struggled to establish a consistent running game, and the offensive line was occasionally overwhelmed by powerful defenses. This lack of balance was especially evident in key matchups, such as the Alabama game, where LSU struggled to keep pace with the Tide’s defense.

To address this, Kelly has brought in new offensive staff with a focus on improving the running game and providing more support for Daniels. The goal is to make LSU’s offense more dynamic and unpredictable, with a better mix of run-pass options that can keep defenses off balance. This includes better use of running backs like Josh Williams and Noah Cain, who showed flashes of potential in 2024 but never quite found a rhythm due to inconsistent blocking and play-calling.

Additionally, Kelly is focused on developing LSU’s offensive line, which will be crucial for protecting Daniels and establishing a more potent running game. With a new offensive line coach in place, LSU is focused on developing a stronger, more disciplined front five that can impose its will on defenses. This will also be important for LSU to stay competitive in the SEC, where dominating the line of scrimmage is a key to success.

Improved Special Teams and Player Development

Alongside changes to the offense and defense, Kelly is also focused on improving LSU’s special teams play, which has been inconsistent in recent years. Special teams can often be the difference between winning and losing tight games, and Kelly knows that LSU must improve its coverage units, punting, and kicking game to compete with the nation’s best.

In the recruiting game, Kelly is prioritizing special teams talent, focusing on adding players who can make an immediate impact in key areas. Improving the special teams will give LSU an edge in close games and help flip the field when the offense or defense is struggling.

Player development is another area where Kelly has placed a significant emphasis. The LSU Tigers have a wealth of talent on their roster, but Kelly is committed to maximizing the potential of each player, particularly those in key developmental years. This involves ensuring that underclassmen get the necessary reps to improve, while also keeping seniors motivated and engaged as they prepare for potential NFL careers.

Recruiting and Future Expectations

Perhaps the most exciting aspect of LSU’s offseason is their recruiting efforts. Under Kelly’s leadership, LSU has continued to recruit at an elite level, landing several five-star recruits and top-tier prospects who will be crucial to the Tigers’ long-term success. The 2025 recruiting class is one of the best in the country, with top-tier defensive players, skill position talent, and offensive line prospects who could make an immediate impact.

This influx of talent, combined with the changes to the coaching staff and strategy, gives LSU fans plenty to be excited about. The Tigers are poised to remain competitive in the SEC and the national scene for years to come, and Brian Kelly’s vision for the future is becoming clearer with each offseason move.