Nearly a month after Lane Kiffin shockingly moved from Ole Miss to LSU, his staff picture is nearing completion. While Kiffin went to work immediately, assembling an entire team of position coaches and more, is a tough task, especially considering the kind of pressure he is under.
LSU’s defensive staff picture is coming into sharper focus, and with it, Chris Kiffin’s role in Baton Rouge is now clearly defined. The Tigers announced that Kiffin will serve as linebackers coach and co-defensive coordinator
He will be working alongside defensive coordinator Blake Baker as the staff under Kiffin continues to take shape.
“LSU announced Chris Kiffin will be the linebackers coach and co-defensive coordinator. There had been discussions about what his role would be under Blake Baker, and now that’s set,” Wilson Alexander REPORTED.
LSU announced Chris Kiffin will be the linebackers coach and co-defensive coordinator. There had been discussions about what his role would be under Blake Baker, and now that’s set.
— Wilson Alexander (@whalexander_) December 22, 2025
There had been plenty of speculation surrounding how Kiffin would fit into Baker’s defense, particularly after LSU prioritized continuity and clarity following recent defensive struggles.
Those questions have now been answered, with LSU opting for a shared leadership structure that allows Baker to retain overall control while leveraging Kiffin’s experience at the second level and in defensive game-planning.
The former Ole Miss head coach has long trusted Chris with significant defensive responsibilities, and that confidence appears to have translated into LSU offering a defined, influential role rather than a vague support position.
The LSU has made 11 new additions to their staff, including Joe Cox as co-offensive Coordinator / tight ends, Joe Houston as special teams coordinator, Sterling Lucas on the defensive line, Dane Stevens for quarterbacks, and more.
The Ole Miss Rebels Without Lane Kiffin
When Kiffin abruptly left the Rebels, many wondered what would happen to the team that had been dominant in the season. Headed into the playoffs, the Rebels were dealing with immense pressure to find their identity post-Kiffin.
The first round playoff game against Tulane was their opportunity to show that they could still perform without the former head coach. The Rebels registered a blowout 41-10 win, which sent a message that they were still a great team.
“People were saying we weren’t going to be the same team without coach (Kiffin). He’s a great coach and all, but at the end of the day, the players play the game. So we were just prepared for the moment, just ready to go out there and prove everybody wrong,” Deuce Alexander said.
As heartbroken as the players and staff must’ve been because of Kiffin’s decision, they seem to be doing just fine without him.
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