Brian Kelly’s 2025 staff now includes a former Miami defensive coordinator from LSU football.

As Brian Kelly enters his third year as head coach of the LSU Tigers, the anticipation around the 2025 season has reached a fever pitch. Following a successful 2024 season in which LSU made significant strides under Kelly’s leadership, the Tigers are now poised to take another leap forward in their pursuit of an SEC title and potential national championship. A crucial part of this progression will come through Kelly’s staff changes, which includes a significant new addition: Kevin Steele, the former Miami defensive coordinator, who will be joining LSU for the upcoming 2025 season.

Steele, who has a wealth of experience and a proven track record at some of the top programs in college football, represents a key hire for LSU. His arrival has already created waves in the college football community, signaling that Kelly is committed to fortifying the Tigers’ defensive unit to match their explosive offensive prowess. The addition of Steele is not just a matter of hiring an experienced coach; it’s a calculated move that strengthens LSU’s overall coaching staff, putting the Tigers in a position to compete for championships in 2025 and beyond.

In this comprehensive breakdown, we’ll explore the significance of Steele’s hiring, the impact he could have on LSU’s defense, and what it means for the Tigers’ overall coaching staff as they prepare for another season of high expectations.

The Kevin Steele Legacy in College Football

Kevin Steele is no stranger to the college football coaching world, having built an impressive resume over the course of his career. Before coming to LSU, Steele had a notable stint as the defensive coordinator at Miami for the 2023 and 2024 seasons, during which time he helped lead a defense that became one of the most difficult units to break down in the ACC. Steele’s ability to transform defenses into feared, aggressive units has been his hallmark, and LSU is eager to benefit from his expertise.

Steele’s career began in the 1980s, and over the years, he’s worked at some of the most prestigious programs in college football, including Clemson, Auburn, Alabama, and LSU. He’s developed a reputation for being a no-nonsense, disciplined coach who can get the most out of his players. His teams are known for being tough, well-coached, and aggressive, with an emphasis on stopping the run and generating pressure on the quarterback.

Steele is particularly adept at molding young players and turning them into dominant forces on the defensive side of the ball. His experience working with a variety of defensive schemes, from 3-4 to 4-3 systems, makes him a versatile coach capable of tailoring his approach to fit LSU’s existing personnel. His defensive units are typically known for their aggressive pass rush, stout run defense, and ability to adapt to the ever-evolving landscape of college football offenses.

Given Steele’s background and history of success at top-tier programs, his hiring by LSU represents a significant upgrade for the Tigers, particularly as Kelly aims to elevate the team’s defensive play. With Steele’s guidance, LSU’s defense could become one of the best in the SEC — and college football as a whole.

Steele’s Role at LSU

As the newest addition to Kelly’s coaching staff, Steele is expected to take on a prominent role with LSU’s defensive unit, which has been a major point of focus for the Tigers in recent years. While LSU has had great success on offense with quarterbacks like Jayden Daniels leading the way, the defense has at times been inconsistent. Kelly understands that a balanced team is crucial for championship contention, and with Steele’s expertise, LSU’s defense could become a force to be reckoned with in the SEC.

Steele will likely take over as the defensive coordinator, overseeing all aspects of the defense, including scheming, game planning, and developing players. His responsibilities will extend beyond just managing the defense; he will also be tasked with developing players into NFL-caliber talent. Over the years, Steele has had a knack for coaching elite defenders, helping many players achieve their potential at the next level. LSU, with its rich tradition of producing high-level talent, will benefit from Steele’s ability to develop and nurture defensive prospects.

One of Steele’s key areas of focus will be improving LSU’s ability to stop the run. While the Tigers have had success with their pass rush, their ability to stifle opposing ground games has been a work in progress. Steele is known for his ability to build strong, physical defensive lines that can control the line of scrimmage and shut down the run. His defensive fronts are well-coached, disciplined, and relentless in their pursuit of the ball carrier, which will be critical in the SEC, where powerful running games are the norm.

Another area where Steele will likely make an immediate impact is LSU’s pass rush. Steele’s defensive schemes are known for generating pressure on the quarterback, a crucial element in the modern game. Steele will have the talent and depth to create havoc up front, particularly with standout defensive players like Maason Smith and Harold Perkins Jr. expected to anchor the defense. The ability to generate consistent pressure on opposing quarterbacks will be essential for LSU to compete with the high-powered offenses of teams like Alabama, Georgia, and Ole Miss.

Steele’s philosophy on defense also emphasizes discipline and fundamentals. His defensive units are well-coached, with players understanding their assignments and responsibilities. He emphasizes minimizing mistakes, such as missed tackles, blown coverages, and penalties. With Steele at the helm, LSU’s defense should become more consistent and difficult to break down over the course of a game.

The Importance of Steele’s Hiring for Brian Kelly and LSU

For Brian Kelly, the hiring of Kevin Steele is an important step in shaping the future of LSU football. Kelly’s tenure at LSU has thus far been successful, with the team returning to national prominence and contending for SEC titles. However, Kelly knows that to consistently compete at the highest level, LSU needs a well-rounded team that can win in all three phases: offense, defense, and special teams.

While Kelly has done a remarkable job of building LSU’s offense, particularly with the development of Jayden Daniels and a dynamic receiving corps, the defense has been a key area of focus for improvement. Under previous defensive coordinators, LSU has shown flashes of brilliance but lacked the consistency required to shut down high-powered offenses week in and week out. With Steele now onboard, Kelly has placed his trust in a coach with a proven track record of developing elite defenses, which could make the difference for LSU in its quest for another national championship.

Steele’s experience also complements Kelly’s vision for LSU’s football program. Kelly is known for his meticulous attention to detail and his ability to manage the overall program with a balanced approach. Steele fits well into this vision, as he brings a disciplined, no-nonsense approach to the defense, ensuring that LSU’s defensive players play with the same level of precision and accountability as the offense.

By bringing in a coach of Steele’s caliber, Kelly has demonstrated that he is willing to make the necessary changes to elevate LSU to the top of college football. With Steele leading the defense, the Tigers are poised to be a more complete team, one that can dominate on both sides of the ball and compete for championships year in and year out.

What Steele Brings to LSU’s Recruiting Efforts

Another significant impact that Kevin Steele will have on LSU is in the realm of recruiting. Steele’s extensive connections throughout the college football landscape will undoubtedly help LSU in its pursuit of top-tier defensive talent. Over the years, Steele has built a reputation as one of the premier defensive minds in college football, and his reputation will help him attract top recruits to Baton Rouge.

LSU has long been known for producing elite defensive talent, from future NFL stars like Patrick Peterson to Devin White and Derrick Stingley Jr. With Steele on staff, LSU should continue to be a destination for top defensive recruits. His ability to develop players for the next level will be a key selling point for prospects, and the Tigers will be able to lure some of the best defensive talent in the country to Baton Rouge.

Steele’s connections also stretch beyond just the Southeast, which could help LSU expand its recruiting footprint. His experience coaching at major programs like Alabama, Clemson, and Auburn has given him access to a national network of recruits, and that could help LSU secure commitments from top prospects outside the traditional recruiting base..