Lane Kiffin is wasting no time shaping his first defensive staff at LSU, and his latest target is one of the SEC’s rising stars in the coaching ranks: South Carolina assistant Sterling Lucas.
According to multiple reports, Kiffin and LSU are actively pursuing Lucas to join a defensive staff already anchored by defensive coordinator Blake Baker. And if they can pull it off, it would be a significant addition for the Tigers.
Lucas has quietly built a strong résumé over the last five seasons in Columbia. He’s carved out a reputation as one of the top defensive line coaches in the SEC, thanks to his work with the Gamecocks’ edge defenders and outside linebackers. But it’s not just his position coaching that stands out-Lucas has also taken on responsibilities as a defensive run game coordinator, showing a level of versatility that’s highly valued in today’s game.
That blend of technical skill and schematic knowledge makes him a compelling fit for what LSU is building under Kiffin and Baker. The Tigers’ defense has been under Baker’s direction for the past two seasons, and bringing in someone like Lucas would only deepen the brain trust on that side of the ball.
At this stage, no deal has been finalized, but talks are ongoing. LSU had previously been in discussions with Elijah Robinson, a seasoned assistant with stops at Syracuse and Texas A&M.
However, Robinson is no longer in the mix for the position, according to reports. That shift has placed Lucas squarely at the top of LSU’s list as they look to round out their defensive coaching staff heading into 2026.
For Kiffin, this is more than just a staff hire-it’s about setting the tone for a new era in Baton Rouge. And if Lucas does make the move from Columbia to LSU, it would be a clear signal that Kiffin is prioritizing both proven SEC experience and coaching versatility as he builds a defense capable of contending in the nation’s toughest conference.