LSU is wasting no time turning the page under Lane Kiffin, officially announcing the hiring of 11 new assistant coaches as the program enters a new era. And make no mistake-this is Kiffin’s blueprint, built with familiar faces and SEC-tested minds.
Eight of the 11 assistants are making the move with Kiffin from Ole Miss, signaling a strong desire for continuity on offense and a staff that already knows how to operate within his system. The other three additions come from fellow SEC programs, bringing with them valuable experience from within the conference.
Let’s break down the full staff:
- Offensive Coordinator - *Charlie Weis Jr. *
- Co-Offensive Coordinator/Tight Ends - Joe Cox
- Assistant Head Coach/Running Backs - Kevin Smith
- Inside Wide Receivers - Sawyer Jordan
- Passing Game Coordinator/Wide Receivers - George McDonald
- Offensive Line - Eric Wolford
- Co-Defensive Coordinator/Linebackers - Chris Kiffin
- Defensive Line - Sterling Lucas
- Pass Rush Specialist/Assistant Defensive Line - Lou Spanos
- Special Teams Coordinator - Joe Houston
Weis Jr. and Smith are two of the most notable names here, both having worked closely with Kiffin in Oxford. Weis Jr. has long been considered one of Kiffin’s most trusted offensive minds, and his promotion to offensive coordinator at LSU keeps that synergy intact. Smith, who also coached running backs at Ole Miss, now adds the title of Assistant Head Coach-a nod to his growing influence.
The offensive side of the ball is clearly built around familiarity and cohesion. Joe Cox, who handled tight ends at Ole Miss, steps into a co-coordinator role.
Sawyer Jordan and George McDonald round out the receiving staff, with McDonald taking on the broader passing game responsibilities. These are coaches who know Kiffin’s tempo, his scheme, and how to get the most out of skill positions.
On the defensive side, there’s a bit more mixing of new and returning pieces. Chris Kiffin, Lane’s brother, will serve as co-defensive coordinator and linebackers coach.
He’s no stranger to SEC football and brings a strong track record in developing front-seven talent. Sterling Lucas, coming over from South Carolina, takes over the defensive line, while Lou Spanos adds a specialized role as a pass rush specialist and assistant D-line coach.
Three of the new hires-Wolford, Lucas, and Houston-did not follow Kiffin from Ole Miss. But they’re not outsiders either.
Wolford, a seasoned SEC offensive line coach, arrives from Kentucky and brings a no-nonsense, physical brand of line play that should mesh well with Kiffin’s explosive offense. Lucas, fresh off his stint at South Carolina, is a rising name in defensive coaching circles.
And Joe Houston, who was most recently at Florida, takes over special teams.
While Kiffin is building his own staff, he’s also keeping some important holdovers. Defensive coordinator Blake Baker remains in place, providing a measure of continuity on that side of the ball. According to reports, Kiffin is also expected to retain edge rushers coach Kevin Peoples, cornerbacks coach Corey Raymond, and safeties coach Jake Olsen.
That blend-new blood, familiar faces, and strategic holdovers-gives LSU a staff that’s both rooted in SEC experience and tailored to Kiffin’s vision.
Bottom line: LSU isn’t just changing coaches-it’s reshaping its identity. With a staff that’s heavy on offensive continuity and defensive versatility, the Tigers are signaling that they’re all-in on Kiffin’s style. Fast, aggressive, and built to compete right away.