Lane Kiffin isn’t wasting any time shaping his first staff at LSU, and he's tapping into a deep well of SEC experience to do it. According to multiple reports, Kiffin is bringing in two rising names in the coaching ranks-Ty Hatcher and Cason Bicknell-as he builds out his inaugural Tigers staff.
Let’s start on the offensive side of the ball, where Georgia’s Ty Hatcher is expected to join the fold. Hatcher spent last season as an offensive quality control coach in Athens, but now he’s headed to Baton Rouge to work closely with offensive coordinator Charlie Weis Jr., focusing on quarterbacks and tight ends.
That pairing makes a lot of sense. Weis Jr. is known for his detailed, quarterback-friendly schemes, and Hatcher, a former QB himself at Samford, brings a sharp football mind and a résumé that’s already packed with big-time stops despite his age.
At just 25, Hatcher has already logged time with Alabama, Texas A&M, Oklahoma, and Georgia. That’s a who’s who of college football powerhouses, and now he’s adding LSU to the list.
He’s also the son of longtime coach Chris Hatcher, so the football IQ runs deep in the family. His fast rise through the coaching ranks isn’t just about connections-it’s about a strong understanding of offensive football and a knack for developing talent.
On special teams, Kiffin is also making moves. Florida’s Cason Bicknell is set to join LSU as the Assistant Special Teams Coordinator under Joe Houston. Bicknell served as a quality control assistant for the Gators’ special teams unit, and now he’ll take on a bigger role in Baton Rouge.
Special teams might not always grab the headlines, but it’s a critical phase of the game-especially in the SEC, where field position and momentum can swing on a single punt or return. Bringing in someone like Bicknell, who’s been in the trenches of special teams coaching in the SEC, gives LSU another layer of expertise in an often-overlooked area.
For Kiffin, these hires reflect a clear strategy: blend youth and energy with experience in elite programs. He’s assembling a staff that knows what it takes to win in the SEC and isn’t afraid to think creatively. And with LSU’s expectations sky-high as always, every move matters.
These additions may not be household names yet, but they’re part of a larger vision Kiffin is putting into place-one that could have a big impact on the Tigers in 2026 and beyond.