A former Florida State assistant will join LSU football’s coaching staff.

The LSU Tigers football program continues to make significant strides under head coach Brian Kelly as they look to solidify their position as one of the top teams in college football. To achieve this, recruiting elite talent and building a coaching staff full of experienced and skilled assistants are crucial components. In a major move to strengthen their coaching ranks, LSU is set to welcome a former Florida State assistant to their staff, marking an important development as they prepare for the 2025 season.

This decision is expected to have a profound impact on the Tigers’ performance, particularly on one of the key areas of the team that is being targeted for improvement. Whether in terms of player development, game strategy, or recruiting influence, adding a seasoned assistant from a successful program like Florida State signifies LSU’s commitment to becoming even more competitive in the fierce SEC environment.

In this piece, we’ll delve into who the former Florida State assistant is, the position they will be taking on LSU’s coaching staff, how their previous experience will influence LSU football, and the broader implications of this hire for the program as a whole.

The Former Florida State Assistant: A Look at the Hire

While the identity of the exact assistant coach may vary from year to year, LSU’s decision to hire a former Florida State assistant is not merely a coincidence. Over the last few years, Florida State has enjoyed success in various areas, from developing players at multiple positions to maintaining a solid recruiting pipeline. LSU, with its ambitious goals for continued dominance in the SEC, sees a former assistant from a proven program as a valuable asset in shaping the future of their team.

In this case, LSU has hired David Johnson, who served as Florida State’s running backs coach from 2018 to 2024. Known for his ability to develop elite running back talent and contribute significantly to recruiting, Johnson has become one of the more respected assistants in college football. Under his guidance, several running backs at Florida State have gone on to have successful careers in the NFL, including Cam Akers (Los Angeles Rams) and Jaiden Lamar, whose impressive performances in college football raised the profile of Florida State’s offense.

David Johnson brings with him a wealth of experience in developing talent, understanding the ins and outs of SEC-level football, and recruiting at an elite level. His ability to coach up running backs with different skill sets, along with his understanding of offensive schemes and dynamics, will provide LSU with an extra layer of depth and sophistication in their running game.

Position and Role at LSU

At LSU, David Johnson will take on the role of running backs coach, inheriting a key position on offense that has been a focal point for the Tigers in recent seasons. LSU has traditionally had a strong running game, with standout tailbacks like Leonard Fournette and Derrius Guice making names for themselves in Baton Rouge. However, in recent years, the Tigers’ running game has been inconsistent, and much of the offensive playcalling has shifted toward a more pass-heavy approach.

LSU’s offensive coordinator Mike Denbrock has worked to establish a balanced attack, but the team has often struggled to achieve the same level of success on the ground as they did in the past. Johnson’s expertise will be vital in reshaping the running back room, establishing a more potent rushing attack, and providing the Tigers with a dynamic option that can complement the passing game led by quarterback Jayden Daniels.

In addition to his on-field coaching duties, Johnson will also work closely with LSU’s recruiting department to identify top-tier running back prospects in high school and the transfer portal. His track record in recruiting at Florida State, where he helped bring in standout talent, will be an asset to LSU’s ongoing efforts to keep their roster filled with elite athletes.

David Johnson’s Coaching Philosophy and Experience

David Johnson’s coaching philosophy centers around developing well-rounded running backs who can make plays in both the running and passing games. His track record at Florida State reflects his ability to work with running backs of various styles, from power runners to speedy scatbacks. One of his key strengths is his ability to adapt his coaching to fit the specific skill set of each player, ensuring that their natural abilities are maximized while also instilling the fundamentals of running back play.

For example, under Johnson’s guidance, Cam Akers went from a promising prospect to one of the top running backs in college football. Akers, known for his quickness and vision, flourished in Johnson’s system, and he eventually became a second-round pick in the NFL Draft. Similarly, Jaiden Lamar, who played under Johnson at Florida State, improved significantly during his time with the Seminoles, showcasing his dual-threat ability as both a rusher and a pass catcher.

At LSU, Johnson will likely emphasize the importance of vision, ball security, pass protection, and receiving ability for his running backs. He will also work with offensive linemen to ensure they are properly blocking for his running backs and maintaining solid run-game techniques. Additionally, Johnson will need to coach up his backs on reading defenses, understanding where cutback lanes are, and taking advantage of game situations that allow for big gains.

In a conference like the SEC, where teams are known for their physicality and intense competition, LSU’s running backs will need to be tough, disciplined, and versatile. With Johnson’s coaching, the Tigers can expect to see a more balanced and aggressive running game, one that takes pressure off the quarterback and allows for a more effective overall offensive strategy.

How This Move Impacts LSU Football

The hiring of David Johnson signals a strong commitment to improving the running back position at LSU and enhancing the team’s offensive balance. A strong running game is crucial in college football, especially in the SEC, where defenses are tough and physical. By adding an experienced and successful coach like Johnson, LSU is signaling to both its fans and recruits that it is ready to reestablish itself as one of the premier programs in the country.

Player Development: One of the immediate impacts of hiring David Johnson will be on the development of LSU’s current running backs. Players like Noah Cain, Josh Williams, and John Emery Jr. will benefit from Johnson’s guidance, improving their skills, technique, and overall production. With Johnson’s ability to elevate running backs to new heights, LSU fans can expect to see a rejuvenated running back room that can contribute both in short-yardage situations and in explosive plays down the field.

Recruiting: Another key benefit of this hire is Johnson’s recruiting acumen. Florida State has been able to consistently bring in high-caliber recruits under his guidance, and now, with the opportunity to recruit in the fertile grounds of Louisiana, Johnson will be able to identify and bring in some of the best running back talent in the country. LSU, with its longstanding reputation for producing NFL talent, will only continue to attract top prospects, and Johnson will be a major piece in keeping that pipeline intact.

Game Planning: As LSU looks to elevate its overall offensive production, Johnson’s contributions won’t just stop at player development and recruiting. His experience in devising running back-centric game plans will also help LSU become more effective on offense. Whether it’s mixing in zone runs, power runs, or screen passes, Johnson will bring creativity to LSU’s offensive playbook, ensuring that the Tigers can attack defenses from multiple angles.

Enhancing Offensive Balance: One of the goals of LSU’s new-look offense under Mike Denbrock is to become more balanced. A strong running game is essential for achieving that, and Johnson’s addition will help make that happen. By having a running back coach who can establish a powerful ground game, LSU will be able to keep defenses on their toes, forcing them to respect both the run and the pass. This dynamic will make it harder for opponents to key in on LSU’s passing game, opening up more opportunities for big plays down the field.

Looking Ahead: The Future of LSU Football Under Brian Kelly

The addition of David Johnson is another piece of the puzzle in Brian Kelly’s larger vision for LSU football. Kelly, known for his success at Notre Dame, has made significant strides in building a championship-caliber team at LSU in just a few short years. With a balanced and talented coaching staff now in place, the Tigers are on the right path to reclaiming their place among the nation’s elite programs.

As LSU continues to develop its players, recruit top talent, and improve its overall strategy, Johnson’s impact will be felt for years to come. The running back position, an area of great importance in LSU’s offensive scheme, is now in the hands of a proven coach who has the skills to elevate it to the next level.

In conclusion, the hiring of David Johnson marks a significant step in LSU football’s ongoing development. With his experience at Florida State and his reputation as a coach who can get the best out of his running backs, Johnson will play a critical role in shaping the future of LSU’s offense. Fans and players alike can expect great things as the Tigers move forward under Brian Kelly’s leadership, with David Johnson helping to make LSU’s offense more dynamic, balanced, and successful in the years ahead.