Since Lane Kiffin made headlines on November 30 by accepting the LSU head coaching job, the spotlight quickly shifted to the next big question: who’s coming with him? The coaching carousel spun fast, with speculation flying about which assistants would follow Kiffin to Baton Rouge, who might stay behind at Ole Miss, and whether familiar LSU names would stick around or move on.
Now, the dust has settled. LSU has finalized its coaching staff for the 2026 season, and the picture that’s emerged is one of calculated structure, strategic title placement, and a clear vision for how this program will operate under Kiffin’s leadership.
Offensive Staff: A Crowded Room with a Purpose
On offense, LSU didn’t just hire coaches-they built an infrastructure. Charlie Weis Jr. steps in as offensive coordinator, a role that comes with both opportunity and pressure.
He’s joined by Joe Cox, who holds the co-offensive coordinator title while coaching tight ends. It’s a layered approach, and it’s no accident.
These titles aren’t just about hierarchy-they’re about compensation, recruiting clout, and career trajectory.
Kevin Smith, who takes over as running backs coach and associate head coach, might be the most telling hire of the bunch. He wasn’t looking for a lateral move-he wanted a step up.
LSU gave him that, signaling trust and responsibility. The associate head coach title carries weight, especially when you’re walking into a recruit’s living room trying to land a top-tier back.
The rest of the offensive staff is equally strategic. George McDonald will oversee wide receivers and serve as passing game coordinator, Sawyer Jordan will handle inside receivers, Dane Stevens is tasked with quarterbacks, and Eric Wolford will lead the offensive line.
On paper, it’s a deep and crowded group. But in practice, it’s a calculated setup designed to blend experience, specialization, and upward mobility.
This structure also creates a support system for Weis Jr., who, despite his success at Ole Miss, is still looking to prove he can run the show without Kiffin directly calling the plays. With seasoned assistants around him, LSU is betting that the collective brainpower will ease that transition and keep the offense humming.
Defensive Staff: Stability with a Strategic Twist
While the offense got a facelift, the defense stayed largely intact-and that’s by design. Blake Baker remains the defensive coordinator, and LSU made it clear just how much they value his leadership by reportedly locking him in with a $3 million salary and full control of the scheme. This is still Baker’s defense, and that continuity could pay major dividends in a league where defensive identity often separates contenders from pretenders.
Corey Raymond and Jake Olson are back in the secondary, providing stability and familiarity. Sterling Lucas takes over the defensive line, Kevin Peoples will coach edge rushers, and Lou Spanos joins as a pass rush specialist. Joe Houston remains in charge of special teams.
The most intriguing addition is Chris Kiffin, Lane’s brother, who comes in as co-defensive coordinator and linebackers coach. It’s a title that speaks more to influence and compensation than control.
Baker is still the top defensive voice, but Chris Kiffin brings experience and trust-two things that matter deeply in the coaching trenches. His role may evolve, but for now, he’s positioned as a key lieutenant in a defense that’s aiming for consistency and growth.
Lucas’ hire, in particular, could be one to watch. It not only rounds out the defensive staff but also positions LSU to be aggressive in the transfer portal, especially along the defensive front-a unit that’s always a priority in the SEC arms race.
Big Picture: Infrastructure Over Ego
What’s clear through all of this is that LSU’s approach under Kiffin is about building a sustainable, forward-thinking infrastructure. It’s not about flashy hires or headline-chasing-it’s about layering experience, rewarding loyalty, and giving assistants the titles and tools they need to recruit, develop, and eventually grow into bigger roles.
This staff is built to win now, but it’s also built to evolve. Whether it’s Weis Jr. stepping into a bigger spotlight, Smith becoming a major recruiting force, or Chris Kiffin gaining more responsibility over time, LSU is thinking long-term.
And that’s exactly how Kiffin framed it in his opening presser-this isn’t about a quick fix or a personal payday. It’s about building something that lasts.
The blueprint is in place. Now it’s time to see how it plays out on the field.