Former Tennessee offensive lineman Jackson Lampley starts coaching journey, joining LSU as an intern to gain experience and develop skills.

In the ever-evolving world of college football, former players often find themselves drawn back to the sport—not as athletes, but as coaches, analysts, or mentors. For Jackson Lampley, a former Tennessee offensive lineman, this familiar pull has taken shape through a coaching internship at Louisiana State University (LSU), signaling the beginning of a promising new chapter in his football journey.

Lampley, who spent several seasons with the University of Tennessee Volunteers, was a reliable presence on the offensive line. Though he may not have received the national spotlight or extensive starting time throughout his college playing career, he was known for his work ethic, team-first mentality, and football IQ—traits that are essential for any coach in the making. Now, as he shifts from the field to the sidelines, Lampley is aiming to use those same qualities to leave an imprint on the next generation of players.

From Knoxville to Baton Rouge

Born and raised in Nashville, Tennessee, Lampley was a four-star recruit out of Montgomery Bell Academy. His recruitment garnered interest from numerous Power Five programs, but ultimately, he chose to stay in-state and join the Tennessee Volunteers. Standing at 6-foot-4 and weighing over 300 pounds, Lampley brought physicality and technique to the offensive line, providing depth and support in a competitive SEC environment.

While his time at Tennessee may not have culminated in NFL draft consideration, Lampley’s collegiate experience gave him valuable exposure to high-level football operations. Being part of a program like Tennessee under multiple coaching staffs provided him with insight into various coaching philosophies, training methods, and team dynamics.

His transition to LSU—a perennial SEC powerhouse—marks an important step in his professional development. As an intern, Lampley will likely be involved in a wide range of responsibilities: assisting with practice preparations, analyzing film, offering support to position coaches (especially on the offensive line), and working directly with players in a mentorship capacity.

Why Coaching?

The decision to pursue a career in coaching is not one that most athletes take lightly. For many, the end of their playing days brings a sense of loss and disconnection from the sport they’ve spent their lives dedicated to. For Lampley, however, the end of his time on the field has opened up a new passion: teaching the game.

Former linemen are often well-suited for coaching roles due to the nature of the position. Offensive line play is as much about mental preparation and coordination as it is about raw physical strength. Reading defensive alignments, understanding protection schemes, and making split-second adjustments are all tasks that require a cerebral approach—something Lampley reportedly excelled at during his playing days.

Coaches who transition from the offensive line bring a unique perspective to the broader football ecosystem. They understand the unsung aspects of the game—how the outcome of a play often hinges on the battle in the trenches. This type of insight can be invaluable, particularly at a program like LSU where the expectations are sky-high every season.

Learning from the Best

LSU offers one of the richest football environments in the country. With a national championship pedigree and a tradition of producing NFL talent, the program provides an ideal training ground for aspiring coaches. Head coach Brian Kelly, who took over the Tigers in 2022, brings decades of experience and a reputation for being detail-oriented and innovative. Lampley’s internship under this coaching regime will expose him to a structured, high-level football operation that emphasizes discipline, development, and accountability.

Interns at major college football programs often operate in the background, absorbing information and performing a variety of support tasks. But these roles also offer incredible access. Lampley will be able to sit in on staff meetings, contribute to game planning, and learn how a top-tier program prepares each week. The relationships he builds during this time—whether with position coaches, coordinators, or recruiting staff—could become crucial down the line if he chooses to pursue a long-term coaching career.

Furthermore, LSU’s reputation for developing coaches is well-established. Former assistants have gone on to become head coaches or coordinators at other major programs and even in the NFL. If Lampley impresses during his time as an intern, it could lead to further opportunities—perhaps as a graduate assistant or a quality control analyst, both of which are common stepping-stones in the coaching profession.

From Player to Mentor

One of the most rewarding aspects of coaching, particularly for former players, is the opportunity to give back. Having experienced the highs and lows of a college football career himself, Lampley is uniquely positioned to relate to current players. He understands the grind—the early mornings, the injuries, the competition for playing time—and can serve as a mentor who genuinely understands what athletes are going through.

Coaching also allows former players to share the knowledge they’ve gained in a way that continues to impact the game. Whether it’s teaching proper blocking technique, explaining how to recognize blitz packages, or instilling the value of teamwork, Lampley can channel his experience into helping others succeed. The best coaches often have a “player’s touch”—a way of communicating that earns respect because it’s rooted in firsthand experience.

The Bigger Picture

For Lampley, this internship might be the beginning of a long and fulfilling coaching journey. But even if it doesn’t lead to a lifelong career in the profession, the skills he’s gaining will serve him well in numerous fields. Coaching requires leadership, communication, time management, and strategic thinking—all qualities that are applicable far beyond football.

Still, given his background, it’s likely that Lampley sees coaching as more than a temporary stop. He has the pedigree, the intellect, and the passion to thrive in the world of college football coaching. And at just the beginning of his post-playing career, he has ample time to grow, learn, and find his voice on the sidelines.

His move also reflects a broader trend in college football: the rise of former players who are returning to the game in new roles. Whether driven by a love of the sport, a desire to teach, or a long-term goal of leading a team of their own, these individuals are reshaping the coaching landscape with fresh perspectives and firsthand experience.

What’s Next?

As Lampley navigates this early phase of his coaching career, several paths lie ahead. He could continue rising through the ranks at LSU, eventually securing a full-time staff position. Alternatively, he might leverage his SEC connections to find opportunities at other programs, perhaps even returning to Tennessee in a coaching capacity one day.

Regardless of where his journey leads, his decision to begin at LSU is a strong start. He’s aligning himself with a respected program, learning from seasoned professionals, and demonstrating the initiative required to succeed in the coaching world.

Football, at its core, is about relationships, growth, and perseverance. Jackson Lampley’s move from offensive lineman to coaching intern encapsulates all three. He’s stepping into a new arena, but bringing with him the same grit and determination that marked his playing career. Whether he ends up on the sidelines as a head coach or behind the scenes as a trusted assistant, one thing is clear: Lampley’s football story is far from over—it’s just entering an exciting new phase.

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