Should Tommy Rees be hired by Brian Kelly to coach tight ends at LSU?

As the LSU Tigers prepare for another season of high expectations in college football, the program’s coaching staff is under constant scrutiny. Every hire is critical to maintaining LSU’s status as one of the elite programs in the Southeastern Conference (SEC), and with LSU’s football culture being one of excellence and legacy, head coach Brian Kelly must carefully consider each position coach. One of the intriguing possibilities in the search for coaching talent is whether Tommy Rees, the former Notre Dame offensive coordinator and a skilled coach in the realm of quarterbacks and offensive scheme, should be hired by Kelly to coach LSU’s tight ends. The question arises as LSU looks to solidify its offensive game and continue its tradition of producing standout players at various positions.

Should Kelly give Rees the opportunity to take on this new role at LSU? Could he bring fresh perspectives to the Tigers’ tight end room, contributing to the development of some of the most versatile players in football? In this article, we will explore Rees’ coaching background, assess his potential fit at LSU, and evaluate the benefits and challenges of having him as the Tigers’ tight ends coach.

Tommy Rees’ Coaching Experience and Background

Tommy Rees is no stranger to high-level college football. The 31-year-old coach made a name for himself as a player before transitioning into coaching. After a standout career as a quarterback at Notre Dame, Rees began his coaching career in 2017 as a graduate assistant at Northwestern. He quickly climbed the ranks in coaching, first working under Brian Kelly as Notre Dame’s quarterbacks coach before eventually being promoted to offensive coordinator in 2020.

Rees’ tenure at Notre Dame was marked by an ability to adapt to different styles of offense while managing various quarterbacks, each with their unique skill set. In 2021 and 2022, Rees developed quarterbacks who were capable of running sophisticated offensive systems, balancing both the passing game and the running attack. He had a reputation for creating offensive game plans that played to his quarterbacks’ strengths, and his ability to adjust based on the opponent made him one of the most respected young offensive minds in college football.

Though Rees has been primarily known for his work with quarterbacks and overseeing the offensive scheme, his background in playing and coaching football equips him with a comprehensive understanding of all offensive positions, including tight ends. Tight ends in Rees’ offensive system are often expected to be flexible, serving both as blockers in the running game and as receiving threats in the passing game. Rees’ familiarity with both the passing and running elements of offense could translate well into a coaching role focused on developing tight ends, a position that demands versatility and adaptability.

Tight Ends in LSU’s Offensive System

Before evaluating whether Tommy Rees should be hired to coach tight ends at LSU, it’s important to consider the role of tight ends in the Tigers’ offensive scheme. LSU football has always placed significant importance on developing players at every offensive position, but the tight end position has often been an underutilized part of the offensive attack. Over the years, LSU has had standout tight ends who’ve gone on to have successful careers in the NFL, but the position hasn’t always been a focal point of the offense.

That could change under Brian Kelly, who has consistently shown a commitment to building a balanced offense. At LSU, Kelly has emphasized the need for a dynamic and multi-dimensional offense that incorporates both the run and pass effectively. The tight end position is central to this balance, and a player who is capable of blocking effectively on the edge while also posing a threat as a receiver can open up significant opportunities for a high-powered offense.

Rees’ familiarity with the tight end role—especially in systems that blend multiple offensive philosophies—could be invaluable to LSU. Under Kelly, LSU has seen a rise in the use of tight ends as both blockers in the running game and as pass-catching options in the red zone. For instance, during Kelly’s tenure at Notre Dame, the Irish featured some impressive tight ends, and Rees had a hand in helping these players develop into reliable contributors. Given LSU’s similar needs for versatile tight ends, it stands to reason that Rees could apply similar principles to the LSU tight end group.

In addition, Rees has worked with high-level talent at Notre Dame, including Michael Mayer, a consensus All-American tight end who was one of the most dynamic players at his position in college football. Mayer’s ability to block and make plays in the passing game showcased the potential impact of a well-coached tight end on an offense, and Rees was integral to his development. A player of Mayer’s caliber would be an ideal comparison for how Rees could elevate LSU’s tight end room.

How Tommy Rees Could Develop LSU’s Tight Ends

Rees’ background and coaching philosophy provide a strong foundation for developing LSU’s tight ends into well-rounded, game-changing players. Here are some of the ways he could make an impact in Baton Rouge:

1. Emphasizing Versatility: As a coach known for adaptability, Rees could focus on making LSU’s tight ends versatile players capable of excelling in both the blocking game and the passing game. In today’s fast-paced, dynamic offenses, tight ends are no longer one-dimensional. They need to be able to line up at the line of scrimmage, in the slot, and even out wide. Rees would emphasize this adaptability, ensuring that LSU’s tight ends can be deployed in a variety of formations and schemes.
2. Improving Blocking Technique: Tight ends are often called upon to block in a variety of situations, from creating running lanes for the tailback to providing protection for the quarterback. Rees has experience with tight ends who excel in blocking, and he could instill these skills in LSU’s players. His ability to teach technique and leverage players’ physical strengths could elevate LSU’s ability to run the ball efficiently, an important factor in Kelly’s overall offensive strategy.
3. Developing Receiving Threats: Tight ends who are able to contribute as receiving threats in the passing game can completely change the dynamics of an offense. Rees has coached tight ends who are capable of stretching the field and making plays in the middle of the field and near the goal line. At LSU, Rees could develop the Tigers’ tight ends into reliable pass-catchers, using their size and agility to create mismatches against opposing defenses. The tight end position is key in Kelly’s balanced offensive scheme, and with Rees’ guidance, the Tigers’ tight ends could emerge as key contributors in the passing game.
4. Understanding the Quarterback-Tight End Relationship: Given his extensive work with quarterbacks, Rees has a strong understanding of how tight ends can be integrated into an offense to complement the quarterback’s strengths. Tight ends are often one of the quarterback’s most reliable options, especially in short-yardage situations, red-zone plays, or when the passing game needs a consistent outlet. Rees would bring this understanding to LSU, developing tight ends who work seamlessly with the Tigers’ quarterback, whether it’s Jayden Daniels or another player under center.
5. Recruiting High-Level Talent: Another key aspect of Rees’ potential impact is his ability to identify and recruit top-tier tight end prospects. Given his coaching background and reputation in the college football world, Rees could attract top tight end recruits to LSU. The ability to bring in elite talent at the tight end position would help elevate the program and make LSU’s offense even more dangerous.

Challenges and Considerations

While there are many reasons to believe that Tommy Rees could be a great fit to coach LSU’s tight ends, there are also several challenges and considerations to keep in mind:

1. Adjusting to a New Role: Rees has spent the majority of his coaching career working with quarterbacks and offensive coordinators. Shifting to a tight ends coach role would be a change in focus, and it’s uncertain how smoothly he would adjust to the nuances of working with this specific position group. However, Rees’ football IQ and experience coaching multiple positions suggest that he would adapt quickly to the challenge.
2. Building Chemistry with Brian Kelly: While Rees and Kelly have worked together in the past at Notre Dame, coaching at LSU would be a new dynamic for both men. Their ability to collaborate effectively and align on offensive strategies would be crucial for the success of LSU’s tight ends, and any friction in this relationship could have a ripple effect on the overall offensive performance.
3. Balancing Offensive Responsibilities: Rees’ experience in coordinating the entire offense means he could have a broader understanding of how the tight end position fits within a complete offensive game plan. However, taking on the role of tight ends coach would require a narrowing of focus. Managing these dual responsibilities could be taxing, especially as Rees will still likely be involved in offensive planning and coaching quarterbacks.