It’s clear that Brian Kelly is not happy with the LSU Tigers 2023 season.
They entered the season as national title contenders but were largely disappointing for their standards and expectations … They never truly recovered from their opening weekend blowout loss to Florida State.
Clearly, something drastic needed to be done in Baton Rouge.
Right on cue, Kelly fired a significant portion of the defensive coaching staff, with defensive coordinator Matt House at the forefront.
Also let go were defensive line coach Jimmy Lindsey, safeties coach Kerry Cooks, and cornerbacks coach Robert Steeples.
#LSU HC Brian Kelly has parted ways with the entire on-field defensive staff, the school confirms.
That includes DC Matt House, DL coach Jimmy Lindsey, CB coach Robert Steeples and S coach Kerry Cooks.https://t.co/3oZPk0YrBb pic.twitter.com/fdQULQxJTy
— Shea Dixon (@Sheadixon) January 3, 2024
Kelly addressed the departures in a statement, saying: “This morning, I met with Matt House, Kerry Cooks, Robert Steeples, and Jimmy Lindsey to inform them that they would not return to our coaching staff in 2024. I want to thank each of these coaches for their work on behalf of our football program and our institution during their time here.”
The decision reflects a strategic shift by Kelly to reevaluate and rebuild the defensive coaching staff after their 10-3 season. (Again, 10-3 would be a great mark for most teams, but not an LSU team with the Heisman Trophy winner at quarterback.)
The Tigers, who had clinched the SEC West title in 2022, entered the 2023 season as a preseason top-five team but struggled defensively, ranking #105 in total defense and #81 in scoring defense, allowing over 28 points per game.
Hallelujah! Geaux Tigers!
— Frank (@fab8828) January 3, 2024
Kelly emphasized the difficulty of such decisions, stating: “Decisions like these are always difficult, and we do not make them lightly, but they are made with the best interests of our program and our student-athletes in mind. Moving forward, we will continue working to build a championship-caliber coaching staff in support of our mission to graduate champions.”
Interestingly, defensive line coach John Jancek and outside linebackers coach Bob Diaco are the only defensive assistants retained.
Jancek, who previously coached outside linebackers, shifted to defensive line for a period during Lindsey’s absence due to health concerns.
Congrats to LSU’s defense for pulling off the Skywalker-esque trench run of doing just barely enough to beat Wisconsin while being so unbelievably putrid that Brian Kelly had no choice but to fire Matt House https://t.co/HIAbFNRF1J pic.twitter.com/iGyJshli8d
— T-Bot Hebert (@TBotHebert) January 3, 2024
The defensive overhaul comes after seven LSU defensive players entered the transfer portal since the end of the season.
Notably, this announcement follows the closure of the winter transfer portal window, making immediate replacements challenging. Additionally, defensive tackle Mekhi Wingo declared for the 2024 NFL Draft.
Adding intrigue to the whole situation is the fact that the Brian Kelly-to-Michigan rumors are still swirling.
from what i’ve heard… this Brian Kelly to Michigan smoke might have some fire behind it… #LSU pic.twitter.com/Za4rVAyv5a
— BoodaCheese (@BoodaCheese) January 3, 2024
If Jim Harbaugh does indeed leave Michigan, can you see Kelly heading up to Ann Arbor to take over the Wolverines?
That would of course be an awful look for Kelly, especially considering the firings he just made and all the statements reassuring that he’s staying at LSU for the long-haul.
Yes, the chances of him leaving are probably very slim … But would you be shocked???
(What a fascinating opening press conference that would be…)