Kelly hires a pair of talented football minds across a 24-hour stretch, Tigers putting final touches on 2025 staff.

Brian Kelly and the LSU Tigers continue making significant changes this offseason to both the coaching staff and 2025 roster via the NCAA Transfer Portal.

LSU boasts the No. 1 transfer class in America with double-digit immediate impact players heading to Baton Rouge, but off-the-field changes have also been made by the program.

This week, Kelly has made a pair of high-profile hires as he puts the final touches on the 2025 coaching staff ahead of Spring Camp in March.

There have been several moving parts this offseason with staff departures and arrivals. What’s the latest on Kelly’s unit with January near the finish line?

LSU has officially come to a deal with former Florida State offensive coordinator/offensive line coach, Alex Atkins, for a role on Kelly’s 2025 staff.

The interest was initially reported by Matt Zenitz of 247Sports on Wednesday morning with the two sides ultimately coming to an agreement on Wednesday afternoon.

Across the last three seasons, Atkins has been on the staff at Florida State as an offensive line coach and the offensive coordinator prior to being let go from Mike Norvell’s staff in November of 2024.

Norvell made changes to both the offensive coordinator and defensive coordinator roles amidst a challenging 2024 season.

Now, with Atkins on the market, Kelly has landed the talented football mind that has also proven to be an ace on the recruiting trail.

A source informed LSU Tigers On SI that Atkins’ role would be as the tight ends coach and run-game coordinator. The Baton Rouge Advocate first reported the role.

LSU saw 2024 tight ends coach Slade Nagle depart Baton Rouge in December after accepting a job as the offensive coordinator for the Houston Cougars. He reunites with former Tulane head coach Willie Fritz after the two worked together in New Orleans (La.) previously.

Now, LSU has found his replacement with Atkins set to head to the Bayou State. A deal was agreed upon on Wednesday for Atkins to become the next tight ends coach and run-game coordinator.

LSU wide receivers coach Cortez Hankton currently works as co-offensive coordinator and the passing-game coordinator for the Tigers.

Lance Guidry: Defensive Analyst

The Louisiana native, and former McNeese State Cowboys standout, is set to join defensive coordinator Blake Baker’s group as a defensive analyst this season.

Guidry spent two seasons as the defensive coordinator of the Miami Hurricanes prior to being let go by head coach Mario Cristobal this offseason.

“I want to first thank Coach Guidry for his contributions to the University of Miami,” Hurricanes coach Mario Cristobal said. “In a continuous effort to always improve all aspects of our program, I have decided to make a change on defense. We will move forward and make decisions that provide our players, staff and program the best opportunity to win and develop at the highest level.”

There was significant growth defensively by Miami during Guidry’s stint in Coral Gables after the Hurricanes improved from 376.5 yards and 26.8 points per game in 2022 prior to Guidry’s arrival to 321.6 yards and 22.8 points per contest in his first season at the helm of the defense.

In his second season leading the defense, it was a different story after struggles down the stretch saw Miami’s College Football Playoff hopes diminish after allowing over 325 yards per game in 2024 with nearly 26 points per game.

Now, Kelly and Co. add a veteran mind with Power Four experience as the 53-year-old is set to make his return to Louisiana and head to Baton Rouge.

With over two decades of football knowledge as a coach, Guidry is plugged in when it comes to Louisiana with relationships across the Bayou State.

He has coaching experience at McNeese State, Miami (Ohio), Western Kentucky, Southeastern Louisiana, Florida Atlantic, Marshall and most recently Miami.