LSU Football Offseason Update: Brian Kelly and the Tigers Changing Things Up
As the 2024 football season fades into the rearview mirror, LSU football is gearing up for what promises to be an exciting offseason. With Brian Kelly entering his third season as head coach, the program is poised for continued growth and transformation. After a solid first two seasons under Kelly’s leadership, the Tigers are adjusting, refining, and adapting in order to build on their successes, address areas of concern, and strengthen their championship pedigree. Let’s take a look at what LSU’s offseason holds and how Brian Kelly and his staff are making significant changes to position the team for success.
Brian Kelly’s Evolution as Head Coach
When Brian Kelly took over as LSU’s head coach in 2022, he inherited a program that was in a period of transition. The Tigers had struggled in the post-Ed Orgeron era, and Kelly was brought in to restore order, discipline, and a sense of purpose to Baton Rouge. In his first season, Kelly led the team to a surprising 10-4 record, including a win in the Citrus Bowl, and managed to win the SEC West in a competitive conference.
In year two, LSU had its highs and lows, finishing the regular season with an 8-4 record. Despite falling short of the College Football Playoff, Kelly showed that he could recruit, develop, and lead a program that had potential. He was also tasked with retooling a roster that featured a mix of seasoned veterans and emerging talent. The 2024 offseason will give Kelly an opportunity to refine the roster further, work on the team’s culture, and address weaknesses that prevented LSU from reaching greater heights.
Kelly’s evolution as a head coach at LSU is centered on a few key elements: discipline, structure, and an emphasis on recruiting. The Tigers’ coaching staff has been reshaped to reflect Kelly’s vision, with experienced assistants who bring their own knowledge and expertise to the table. Kelly’s meticulous approach to detail is also evident in his focus on recruiting top-tier talent, which will play a crucial role in the success of the Tigers moving forward.
Roster Turnover and Key Departures
As with every offseason, LSU faces a degree of roster turnover, with both NFL Draft departures and transfers. The 2024 offseason is no exception, as LSU loses several key players to the pros, including standout cornerback Kayshon Boutte and several offensive linemen. These departures leave significant holes on both sides of the ball, but Kelly and his staff are well-prepared to address the gaps.
Boutte’s departure leaves a big void in LSU’s receiving corps, which is something the coaching staff will need to address through recruiting and development. While Boutte was a dynamic playmaker for the Tigers, LSU’s depth at wide receiver is still strong, with players like Malik Nabers and Jack Bech returning. However, the Tigers will need to recruit a top-tier receiver to round out the group and ensure that quarterback Jayden Daniels has multiple reliable targets to work with.
The offensive line is another area where LSU faces some significant changes. Several key starters will be leaving for the NFL, which means the Tigers will need to focus on building a new unit that can protect their quarterback and establish a dominant run game. Fortunately, LSU has a strong recruiting class coming in, with several offensive linemen who could make an immediate impact. Additionally, LSU’s strength in recruiting transfers should help fill any gaps.
Defensively, the Tigers are losing some key contributors in the secondary and at linebacker. However, Kelly’s emphasis on developing talent within the program should allow LSU to reload in these areas. The defensive line remains a strong point for the Tigers, and the coaching staff will continue to build a more aggressive and versatile defense.
Recruiting: Building for the Future
One of the most significant changes LSU has seen under Brian Kelly’s leadership is the recruitment of top talent, both through high school and the transfer portal. While LSU has always been a major player in college football recruiting, Kelly’s staff has placed even more emphasis on securing elite prospects and creating a program that attracts the best talent in the country.
The 2024 recruiting class is stacked with talent, and LSU has done an excellent job of addressing positions of need. The Tigers have a deep class of defensive backs, which should help replenish a secondary that is losing several key contributors. Additionally, LSU is adding several high-impact players at the linebacker position, a group that Kelly and his staff have worked hard to improve.
Of course, the transfer portal remains a critical part of LSU’s recruiting strategy. After some early successes in the portal, including adding key players like quarterback Jayden Daniels in 2022, LSU continues to build depth through transfers. Whether it’s bolstering the defensive line, adding more depth at receiver, or finding an experienced quarterback to back up Daniels, the portal will play a major role in the Tigers’ roster construction.
The 2024 offseason is an exciting time for LSU recruiting, as Kelly and his staff look to build a program that consistently competes at the highest level. The combination of high school talent and portal additions should give LSU the flexibility to address both immediate needs and long-term goals.
Key Position Battles in the Offseason
As the Tigers prepare for the 2025 season, several key position battles will determine the team’s success. One of the most important will be the battle at quarterback, where Jayden Daniels is the clear incumbent but is still being challenged by younger quarterbacks who are eager for playing time. Daniels was outstanding in 2024, and if he continues his development, LSU will have one of the best quarterbacks in the SEC. However, the Tigers will want to have a reliable backup ready, which could come from either the transfer portal or a rising star from within the program.
The offensive line is another area where competition will be fierce. With the departure of several key players to the NFL, LSU will need to identify new starters who can protect Daniels and create space for the running game. LSU’s offensive line coach, Brad Davis, has been tasked with developing young talent and instilling a sense of physicality into the unit.
The defensive backfield will also feature significant competition, with the Tigers needing to replace some key players in the secondary. LSU’s coaching staff will be looking for players who can step up and contribute immediately, especially in a pass-happy SEC. Whether it’s returning players or newcomers, the Tigers will need to find players who can handle the speed and talent of the SEC’s top offenses.
Finally, the running back position remains an area of interest. While LSU has talent in the backfield, the Tigers have struggled with consistency in recent years. The coaching staff will need to identify a lead back who can provide balance to the offense and take some of the pressure off Daniels. Whether it’s a returning player or a highly touted recruit, the running back position will be one to watch in the offseason.
The Culture Shift: Discipline and Accountability
One of Brian Kelly’s defining traits as a head coach is his ability to instill discipline and accountability within his teams. During his first two seasons at LSU, Kelly made it clear that he wasn’t afraid to make tough decisions and hold players to a high standard. This cultural shift has been one of the most significant changes under Kelly’s leadership.
In the offseason, Kelly and his staff will continue to emphasize discipline, focusing on making sure players are prepared both mentally and physically. Whether it’s through strength and conditioning programs, individual workouts, or team meetings, Kelly’s approach will be centered around building a more disciplined team that doesn’t beat itself.
Accountability also plays a huge role in Kelly’s vision for LSU football. Players will be held accountable not only for their performance on the field but also for their behavior off it. Kelly has fostered a culture where leadership is earned, and success is achieved through hard work and dedication. This will be key to LSU’s ability to take the next step and compete for championships.
Looking Ahead: High Expectations for 2025
As LSU moves through the offseason and into 2025, expectations will be high. Brian Kelly has shown that he can win at LSU, and with a strong recruiting class and a deep roster, the Tigers will be a force to reckon with. However, there are still hurdles to overcome, especially in a tough SEC environment. The offseason will be key in determining how well LSU is prepared to face these challenges.
The changes that Brian Kelly has implemented at LSU are foundational for long-term success. While the Tigers may not be an instant College Football Playoff contender, they are building towards becoming a perennial powerhouse in college football. With a solid coaching staff, an emphasis on development, and a deep talent pool, LSU is well on its way to competing at the highest level
