Nov 25, 2023; Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA;  LSU Tigers head coach Brian Kelly waves to fans during warmups before the game against the Texas A&M Aggies at Tiger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports

LSU parts ways with DC Matt House, 3 assistants

LSU announced major changes to its defensive staff on Wednesday, parting ways with coordinator Matt House and three of his assistants.

Tigers head coach Brian Kelly announced the dismissals of House, cornerbacks coach Robert Steeples, safeties coach Kerry Cooks and defensive line coach Jimmy Lindsey following a 10-3 season.

“I want to thank each of these coaches for their work on behalf of our football program and our institution during their time here,” Kelly said in a statement. “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.”

LSU’s season ended Monday with a 35-31 victory against Wisconsin in the ReliaQuest Bowl. The Tigers finished tied for 78th among FBS defenses, allowing 28.0 points per game.

LSU’s losses this season came by scores of 42-28 (Alabama), 45-24 (Florida State) and 55-49 (Ole Miss).

House spent two seasons as the defensive coordinator in Baton Rouge. He coached linebackers with the Kansas City Chiefs from 2019-21 and previously worked as the DC for Kentucky, Florida International and Pitt.

–Field Level Media

Nov 13, 2021; Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA; A general overall view of the LSU Tigers logo at midfield at Tiger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

LSU tabs Chiefs’ Matt House for defensive coordinator

Kansas City Chiefs linebackers coach Matt House will be taking over the role of LSU defensive coordinator under new coach Brian Kelly, the school announced Wednesday.

House, in his third season in Kansas City, has been part of two straight Super Bowl participants. The Chiefs are currently 11-4 and have clinched a sixth straight AFC West title.

Prior to joining the Chiefs, House coordinated the defense for LSU’s SEC conference mate Kentucky for two seasons (2017-18).

“Matt checks every box we’re looking for in a defensive coordinator,” Kelly said. “He’s led elite SEC defenses, recruited and developed all-conference and All-American performers at multiple positions, and garnered ample experience in both the NFL and as a coordinator at multiple collegiate stops.

“He possesses a great understanding on how to defend the type of offenses we will face each week in our conference, and his ability to put players in position to make plays aligns perfectly with the identity that we want to develop with our defense. I’m excited that he’s joining our staff as we work toward building a championship program at LSU.”

Prior to his stint at Kentucky (which included a year as linebackers coach in 2016), House previously served as defensive coordinator at Florida International (2015) and Pittsburgh (2013-14).

He’s also coached with Michigan State (his alma mater), North Carolina, the University of Buffalo, the Carolina Panthers and the St. Louis Rams over a 20-year career.

“It is an honor to join Coach Kelly’s staff at LSU,” House said in a news release. “I firmly believe in Coach Kelly’s vision and look forward to getting to work. I am confident there are many exciting times ahead for the Tiger football family. Our staff will work tirelessly to develop our young men both on and off the field as we set a championship standard.”

–Field Level Media