LSU Football adds former Tennessee Volunteers offensive lineman to 2025 staff.
As LSU football gears up for the 2025 season, head coach Brian Kelly has bolstered his coaching staff with the addition of Alex Atkins, a seasoned offensive line coach and former offensive coordinator at Florida State. Atkins joins LSU as the Tigers’ new Tight Ends Coach and Run Game Coordinator, bringing a wealth of experience and a proven track record of success.
Alex Atkins’ coaching journey is marked by a series of successful tenures at various programs. He began his coaching career at Tennessee–Martin, where he played as an offensive guard from 2003 to 2006 . His coaching experience includes roles at Marshall, Itawamba Community College, Chattanooga, Georgia Southern, Tulane, Charlotte, and Florida State. At Florida State, Atkins served as the offensive line coach from 2020 to 2021 before being promoted to offensive coordinator and offensive line coach from 2022 to 2024 .
During his time at Florida State, Atkins played a pivotal role in the Seminoles’ offensive success. In 2023, Florida State achieved a 13-1 record and secured a spot in the Orange Bowl, finishing the season ranked No. 5 in the final College Football Playoff poll . His ability to develop offensive linemen and implement a dynamic run game was instrumental in the team’s performance.
Atkins’ transition to LSU is seen as a strategic move to enhance the Tigers’ offensive line and overall run game strategy. With the departure of several key offensive linemen, including Will Campbell, who was selected fourth overall in the 2025 NFL Draft by the New England Patriots , LSU faced the challenge of rebuilding its offensive front. Atkins’ expertise is expected to facilitate the development of new talent and maintain the high standards set by previous LSU offensive lines.
In addition to his coaching responsibilities, Atkins’ recruitment efforts have already yielded positive results. Notably, five-star offensive lineman Solomon Thomas, who had previously committed to Florida State, flipped his commitment to LSU after Atkins’ move to Baton Rouge . This development underscores Atkins’ influence and the trust he has built with recruits.
Atkins’ appointment as Run Game Coordinator aligns with LSU’s strategic emphasis on a balanced offensive attack. His experience in developing a potent run game at Florida State is expected to translate well into LSU’s system. By integrating tight ends into the run game, Atkins aims to create mismatches and enhance the Tigers’ offensive versatility.
Furthermore, Atkins’ role as Tight Ends Coach is particularly significant given the evolving role of tight ends in modern offenses. Under his guidance, LSU’s tight ends are expected to become more integral to the passing and running games, contributing to the overall offensive scheme’s success.
With Alex Atkins now part of the coaching staff, LSU football is poised for continued success. His proven ability to develop offensive linemen, implement effective run game strategies, and recruit top-tier talent positions the Tigers for a strong 2025 season and beyond. As the season progresses, all eyes will be on LSU’s offensive line to see the impact of Atkins’ coaching and the development of the Tigers’ offensive unit.
