Three Members of Brian Kelly’s LSU Football Staff Will Not Return for the 2025 Season

In the ever-evolving world of college football, coaching staffs are constantly undergoing changes. The decisions made during the offseason often have far-reaching effects, not just on the current roster, but also on the long-term trajectory of a program. For LSU Football, 2025 is shaping up to be a year of transition. Head coach Brian Kelly, who took over at LSU in 2022, has seen tremendous success in his short tenure, guiding the Tigers to a 10-4 record in his first season and continuing to build a competitive program in the hyper-competitive Southeastern Conference.

However, as the 2025 season approaches, Kelly’s staff will look markedly different, as three key members of his coaching staff will not return for the upcoming year. These departures come at a critical time for LSU, as the program aims to maintain its place among the national elite. The decisions to move on from these staff members have been met with a mixture of speculation and reflection, as they come at a time when LSU is trying to solidify its recruiting classes, retain top talent, and make a push for conference and national titles.

The Coaching Staff Under Brian Kelly: A Foundation of Stability

When Brian Kelly was hired as the head coach of LSU in 2022, he inherited a program that had experienced some instability under former coach Ed Orgeron. LSU had won a national championship in 2019, but the subsequent seasons were marked by underperformance and a lack of consistency. Kelly’s reputation as a steady, methodical leader made him an attractive candidate to restore LSU’s status as one of the premier programs in college football.

Kelly’s first year at LSU was seen as a success, with the Tigers finishing with a 10-4 record and claiming a victory in the Citrus Bowl. One of Kelly’s key strategies was to assemble a coaching staff that was not only experienced but also capable of meshing with his vision for the program. LSU’s coaching staff included a mixture of veteran assistants, many of whom had significant experience in both the SEC and at the national level. Kelly’s ability to recruit top-tier talent, manage the development of players, and maintain stability within his staff was crucial to the success of his first year at LSU.

As Kelly continues to build the LSU program, maintaining consistency among the coaching staff is essential. A stable coaching staff is important for player development, recruiting, and overall team chemistry. However, the nature of college football means that changes are inevitable, especially when it comes to high-profile coaching staffs. For Kelly, the decision to part ways with three members of his staff in 2025 is a reflection of the evolving nature of college football—where expectations are high, and the pressure to perform is constant.

The Departures: Who Is Leaving and Why?

The departure of three coaches from Brian Kelly’s staff has sparked curiosity among LSU fans and analysts alike. While specifics surrounding the reasons for their departures have not been made entirely public, there are several potential factors that may have played a role in these moves. Here, we will break down the individuals leaving the staff and offer insights into their roles at LSU, their coaching backgrounds, and what their departures mean for the team.

1. Defensive Coordinator: A Change at the Helm of LSU’s Defense

The first major departure is that of LSU’s defensive coordinator. This coach was instrumental in building a defense that showed promise in the 2023 season, with a unit that ranked among the top in the SEC in several key categories. Under this coach’s leadership, LSU’s defense demonstrated both talent and discipline, but the defense’s performance had its inconsistencies, particularly in high-profile games.

The decision for the defensive coordinator to depart comes at a time when LSU is looking to take the next step in its defensive development. Brian Kelly, known for his ability to assess talent and make changes when necessary, may have felt that the defense could benefit from a new perspective or approach. The defensive coordinator’s departure could be attributed to either personal reasons, a mutual agreement to part ways, or a realization that the coaching staff needed a fresh approach in order to keep up with the rapidly changing landscape of college football.

This change is significant for LSU, as defense has long been a cornerstone of the program’s identity. The Tigers have been known for their ability to produce elite defensive players who can dominate at the college and NFL levels. Moving forward, Kelly will need to quickly find a replacement who can continue to recruit and develop defensive talent while maintaining the high standards set by LSU’s defensive history.

2. Offensive Line Coach: Addressing a Key Weakness

The second departure involves LSU’s offensive line coach, who played a crucial role in shaping one of the most important units on the field. The offensive line is always a critical factor for any football team, and for LSU, improving the performance of the offensive line was a top priority when Kelly took over in 2022. However, despite some improvements, LSU’s offensive line struggled with consistency, particularly in pass protection and establishing a strong running game in certain matchups.

The offensive line coach’s departure could be tied to a desire for a more aggressive or innovative approach to offensive line play. With the modern game evolving, and teams increasingly relying on dynamic, fast-paced offenses, LSU may be seeking an offensive line coach who can bring a more modern approach to the unit. Whether this move was the result of a philosophical disagreement or simply the need for a change, Kelly and the LSU program are likely to place a significant emphasis on finding a new offensive line coach who can shore up this vital position group.

3. Wide Receivers Coach: A Shift in Offensive Philosophy

The third coach leaving the staff is the wide receivers coach. This individual had a significant impact on the development of LSU’s receiving corps, a position group that has historically been one of the most talented in the nation. Under this coach, LSU’s wide receivers displayed flashes of brilliance, but there were also moments of inconsistency in terms of route running, separation from defenders, and the ability to make plays in clutch situations.

The wide receivers coach’s departure is notable because LSU’s offense is expected to remain pass-heavy in 2025. With a talented group of wideouts on the roster, Kelly may have felt that a change was necessary in order to maximize the potential of his receivers. Recruiting top talent at the wide receiver position is critical to LSU’s offensive success, and bringing in a new coach who can recruit effectively while developing young talent will be one of the top priorities.

The Ripple Effect: What Do These Departures Mean for LSU?

The departures of these three coaches will have a significant impact on LSU, especially as the Tigers continue to compete for championships in one of the most competitive conferences in college football. Here are some of the key areas where the departures will be felt:

1. Recruiting Impact:

Recruiting is the lifeblood of any successful college football program, and LSU’s success has often been predicated on its ability to attract elite talent. The departure of these coaches could have an immediate effect on recruiting, particularly in areas where their influence was most felt. LSU will need to ensure that the next set of coaches coming in are capable of maintaining strong relationships with recruits and delivering on the promises made during the recruitment process.

The defensive coordinator’s departure could impact LSU’s ability to recruit top defensive talent, while the offensive line and wide receiver coach changes could affect the recruitment of offensive prospects. Recruiting continuity is key, and Kelly will need to ensure that the new hires maintain LSU’s standing as a top destination for the best high school athletes in the country.

2. Coaching Philosophy and Development:

With the turnover in the coaching staff, LSU may see some changes in terms of coaching philosophy, particularly in how the offense and defense are structured. The new hires will likely bring fresh ideas to the table, which could ultimately benefit the team. However, any shift in philosophy must be done with care, as it could take time for players to adapt to new systems and techniques.

For example, the incoming offensive line coach may bring a different approach to offensive line play, emphasizing different blocking schemes or strategies. Similarly, the new defensive coordinator could implement changes to the defensive scheme, which may impact the way LSU lines up against SEC competition.

3. Team Chemistry and Player Development:

Coaching changes can also have a significant impact on team chemistry, particularly when it comes to player development. Players who have developed close relationships with their position coaches may experience an adjustment period when a new coach arrives. However, LSU’s strong culture under Brian Kelly should help mitigate these challenges. Kelly is known for creating a structured, supportive environment, which could make the transition smoother for players as they adjust to their new coaches.

The Road Ahead for Brian Kelly and LSU

As the 2025 season approaches, the LSU football program will face challenges as a result of these coaching changes, but the program remains in a strong position. Brian Kelly’s leadership and ability to adapt to changing circumstances will be key in ensuring that LSU continues to compete at a high level.

With the coaching staff turnover, Kelly will need to make quick decisions in terms of hiring replacements who can continue to drive the program forward. The new hires must be capable of maintaining LSU’s recruiting edge, developing talent, and implementing strategies that align with Kelly’s vision.

Ultimately, the future of LSU football is bright, but how the program responds to these coaching changes will determine its success in the coming years. For LSU, 2025 is a year of potential, and these coaching changes could be the catalyst for the next great chapter in the Tigers’ storied history.