The Lane Kiffin era at LSU is officially underway - and it’s starting with a bang. On Monday, the Tigers unveiled a complete overhaul of their coaching staff, announcing 11 hires that make it clear: Kiffin isn’t easing into his new job in Baton Rouge. He’s bringing the band with him, and he’s tuning it for a high-octane performance.
Let’s break down the new staff, position by position, and what each hire brings to the table.
Offensive Coordinator: Charlie Weis Jr.
This was the first domino to fall, and arguably the most important. Weis Jr. has been Kiffin’s right-hand man when it comes to designing and calling plays.
Together, they’ve built some of the most efficient and explosive offenses in college football. Weis Jr. understands Kiffin’s system inside and out, and more importantly, he knows how to adapt it to the talent on hand.
This pairing has already proven it can light up scoreboards - now they’ll try to do it in Death Valley.
Running Backs / Associate Head Coach: Kevin Smith
Smith steps into a big role, not just as the running backs coach but also as associate head coach. He replaces Frank Wilson, a respected recruiter with deep Louisiana ties.
While Smith will have to prove he can match that recruiting footprint, his track record in developing backs speaks for itself. He’s helped mold several productive college runners, and he brings a modern, player-first approach that resonates in today’s game.
Wide Receivers / Passing Game Coordinator: George McDonald
McDonald is a seasoned veteran with a résumé that spans over two decades and includes both college and NFL stops. He’s coached names like Eric Decker, Greg Jennings, and more recently, Tre Harris.
McDonald’s experience and ability to develop route-runners will be key in elevating LSU’s aerial attack. With him overseeing the passing game, the Tigers are aiming for precision and explosiveness through the air.
Inside Wide Receivers: Sawyer Jordan
A rising name in coaching circles, Jordan is a young coach who worked in the same role under Kiffin at Ole Miss. While he’s not a household name yet, his familiarity with Kiffin’s system and his energy on the recruiting trail make him a valuable addition. Expect him to work closely with McDonald in fine-tuning the Tigers’ passing game.
Quarterbacks: Dane Stevens
Stevens has been instrumental in the rise of quarterbacks like Jaxson Dart and Trinidad Chambliss, and now he gets a new room to work with in Baton Rouge. His development chops will be critical, especially as LSU looks to maintain high-level quarterback play. With Kiffin and Stevens tag-teaming the QB room, the Tigers are in good hands when it comes to maximizing talent under center.
Tight Ends / Co-Offensive Coordinator: Joe Cox
Cox brings continuity and SEC experience, having held the same title at Ole Miss the past two seasons. Before that, he coached tight ends at Alabama - and his recent work with players like Dae’Quan Wright, Caden Prieskorn, Amari Niblack, and Cameron Latu shows he knows how to get production out of the position. As co-offensive coordinator, he’ll help shape the overall offensive identity alongside Weis Jr.
Offensive Line: Eric Wolford
This is a critical hire. LSU’s offensive line has struggled with consistency, and while Brad Davis was known for his recruiting, the on-field product needed a spark.
Enter Wolford, who comes from Kentucky and previously coached at Alabama. He brings a physical, no-nonsense approach to line play - something LSU fans will welcome if it leads to more stability in the trenches.
Defensive Line: Sterling Lucas
Lucas is one of the most respected recruiters in the Southeast, and his ability to land elite talent is well documented. He helped bring five-star prospects Dylan Stewart and Nyck Harbor to South Carolina, and now he’s tasked with elevating LSU’s defensive front. Compared to last year’s experiment with Kyle Williams, who was just getting his feet wet in coaching, this is a clear upgrade in both experience and recruiting muscle.
Linebackers / Co-Defensive Coordinator: Chris Kiffin
Lane’s brother, Chris Kiffin, brings a wealth of experience from both the college and NFL levels. Most recently, he served as a defensive analyst at Ole Miss, but he also coached linebackers with the Houston Texans in 2023 and has worked across multiple defensive staffs over the last two decades.
Don’t let the family connection fool you - Chris Kiffin has earned this role. His presence gives the Tigers a steady, experienced voice on that side of the ball.
Assistant Defensive Line / Pass Rush Specialist: Lou Spanos
Spanos has been coaching since the mid-90s, and his résumé includes a long stint with the Pittsburgh Steelers - where he picked up two Super Bowl rings. Most recently, he’s been with Ole Miss, helping develop their defensive front.
His focus at LSU will be on refining the pass rush, an area that’s always a premium in the SEC. His NFL pedigree brings instant credibility.
Special Teams Coordinator: Chris Couch
Couch joins from Florida, where he led special teams the past two seasons. While the Gators didn’t have a ton of overall success in that span, their special teams units were consistently solid. Couch is known for attention to detail and creativity - two traits that could help LSU steal hidden yardage in close games.
Final Thoughts
This is a staff built with intent. Lane Kiffin didn’t just bring in names he’s comfortable with - he brought in coaches who know how to win, how to recruit, and how to develop. From seasoned veterans with NFL experience to rising stars with fresh ideas, this group is designed to hit the ground running.
The message is clear: LSU isn’t waiting around. With Kiffin at the helm and a handpicked staff behind him, the Tigers are gearing up to be a major force in the SEC - and they’re not wasting any time getting started.