LSU football sets sights on former Florida State assistant Alex Atkins

Brian Kelly and LSU have targeted former Florida State assistant Alex Atkins as the new tight ends coach and running game coordinator, according to multiple reports.

Over his five-year tenure with the Seminoles, Atkins spent his last three seasons as the offensive coordinator and offensive line coach. He was fired in November during a 2-10 season.

Atkins generated a top-10 offense during the 2022 season while finishing 13-1 in the following season. He was not the primary play-caller as the offensive coordinator, as Florida State head coach Mike Norvell held that role.

The Tigers were searching for a replacement tight ends coach following the departure of Slade Eagle, who left Baton Rouge in December for an offensive coordinator position at the University of Houston.

Atkins played offensive guard at UT-Martin and spent his coaching career as an offensive line coach for Chattanooga, Georgia Southern, Tulane and Charlotte before heading to Florida State in 2020. His only experience as a tight ends coach was in 2008 while coaching at UT-Martin.

LSU is also reportedly hiring former Grambling special teams coordinator Alan Anand and former Miami defensive coordinator Lance Guidry. Both are expected to be analysts with significant roles in their respective units.

Guidry was fired after two years as Miami’s defensive coordinator, with the Hurricanes’ defense struggling this season. The Louisiana native was formerly the McNeese head coach.

In a significant development within college football, Louisiana State University (LSU) is reportedly targeting former Florida State University (FSU) offensive coordinator Alex Atkins for a key coaching position. This move comes in the wake of Atkins’ departure from FSU in November 2024, following a challenging season for the Seminoles.

Alex Atkins’ Coaching Trajectory

Alex Atkins began his coaching career at the University of Tennessee at Martin, where he also played as a guard from 2003 to 2006. Over the years, he held various coaching positions, including roles at Marshall University, Itawamba Community College, and the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. His notable tenure at Georgia Southern University as the offensive line coach in 2014 and 2015 contributed to the team’s impressive offensive performance. Atkins further honed his coaching skills at Tulane University, serving as the assistant head coach and offensive line coach, and later as the run game coordinator. In 2019, he took on the role of offensive coordinator and offensive line coach at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte before joining FSU in 2020 as the offensive line coach. He was promoted to offensive coordinator in 2022.

Departure from Florida State University

The 2024 season was particularly challenging for FSU, culminating in a 1-11 record. In response to the team’s performance, FSU announced the dismissal of offensive coordinator Alex Atkins, defensive coordinator Adam Fuller, and wide receivers coach Ron Dugans on November 10, 2024. Atkins’ departure marked the end of his four-year tenure with the Seminoles.

Impact on Recruiting

Atkins’ influence extended beyond the field, notably impacting player recruitment. Following his departure from FSU, five-star offensive lineman Solomon Thomas, who had been a long-time commit to the Seminoles, decommitted and signed with LSU during the Early National Signing Day in December 2024. Thomas cited Atkins as a significant factor in his initial commitment to FSU, describing him as a “father figure” and expressing uncertainty about the program’s direction following Atkins’ exit. This development underscored Atkins’ pivotal role in attracting top talent.

LSU’s Interest in Alex Atkins

LSU’s reported interest in Alex Atkins aligns with the program’s strategic efforts to bolster its coaching staff with experienced and influential figures. Atkins’ proven track record in developing offensive strategies and mentoring players makes him a valuable asset for any collegiate football program. His potential addition to LSU’s coaching roster could further enhance the Tigers’ competitive edge in upcoming seasons.

As LSU sets its sights on Alex Atkins, the move signifies a strategic effort to strengthen its coaching staff with a seasoned professional known for his offensive acumen and recruiting prowess. Atkins’ potential integration into the LSU program is anticipated to contribute positively to the team’s performance and recruitment initiatives in the future.