Brian Kelly is going all-in as LSU’s head coach heading into the 2025 season, aiming to reverse the recent disappointment of missing out on national titles over the past three years. To spark a turnaround, he’s revamped his staff with major additions, including Alex Atkins as tight ends coach and run game coordinator, and Brian Williams to replace long-time defensive line coach Bo Davis, who left for the NFL’s New Orleans Saints.
Despite the aggressive staff overhaul, one key position remains a concern—special teams. In 2024, LSU ranked 112th in punt return average, managing just 4.71 yards per attempt and zero touchdowns. Their kickoff return unit also struggled, landing near the bottom of the SEC. The one bright spot came from Zavion Thomas, a transfer from Mississippi State, and Aeron Burrell, a freshman kicker who recorded 66 touchbacks out of 74 kickoffs.
The root of the problem? LSU had no dedicated special teams coordinator last season. The role was managed by Slade Nagle, the tight ends coach, whose divided responsibilities led to underwhelming special teams performance. Now, with Nagle gone too, LSU faces even greater uncertainty—unless Brian Kelly makes a crucial addition.
One such addition is Jackson Lampley, a former offensive lineman at Tennessee. Though not hired specifically for special teams, Lampley joins as an offensive intern with a background that fits Kelly’s plan. LSU insider Matt Moscona recently emphasized that in today’s college football landscape, support staff like analysts and interns are permitted to help on the field. This allows full-time coaches to focus on recruitment while interns help manage day-to-day practice needs.
Thank you, Tennessee pic.twitter.com/sZ97zXzVwu
— Jackson Lampley (@JMLampley75) May 13, 2025
Lampley brings significant SEC experience, having played in 52 games at Tennessee and played a key role in protecting quarterback Nico Iamaleava during a historic playoff run. He allowed no interior QB hits or pressures in 230 snaps. His addition gives LSU’s coaching staff more flexibility without breaching the NCAA limit of 10 full-time assistants.
While Lampley strengthens the offensive side, LSU’s special teams are being handed to Aman Anand—formerly the special teams coordinator at Grambling State. Anand joins as an analyst, not a full-time on-field coach, due to the staff cap. However, his track record is promising. Under his guidance, Grambling ranked second nationally in blocked kicks, 14th in kickoff coverage, and posted solid numbers in both punt and kickoff returns.
Though Anand can’t recruit or serve in an official coaching capacity, his strategic knowledge could significantly uplift LSU’s special teams—if the blueprint works. Still, the debate remains: should Kelly have prioritized hiring a full-time special teams coordinator rather than relying on analysts?
Ultimately, the 2025 season is shaping up to be a defining one for Brian Kelly. Whether his analyst-heavy approach pays off is yet to be seen, but it’s clear he’s doubling down on a strategy that he believes will lead LSU back to dominance.