After LSU’s disappointing four-loss season in 2024, Brian Kelly wasted no time making changes. He saw what was up and moved fast. While the Tigers enter 2025 with national title odds of +2000, ranking tenth, this doesn’t equate to contender status, especially considering their playoff appearance the previous year. Kelly understands that talent alone isn’t enough; the coaching staff must also excel. His solution is clear: provide players with an exceptional coaching team, a realization Kelly grasped quickly.

So, what’s the latest from Brian Kelly? Former LSU and Clemson linebacker Mike Jones Jr. has joined as an analyst. CBS Sports’ Matt Zenitz reported on X: “LSU has hired former LSU and Clemson linebacker Mike Jones Jr. as an analyst, a source tells @CBSSports/@247Sports. Was a team captain at LSU in 2022.” Kelly appears determined to turn things around in Baton Rouge this season.

Mike Jones Jr. seems like an ideal fit for the LSU Tigers, embodying the experience, versatility, and understanding of LSU’s system that Brian Kelly values. Transferring from Clemson in 2021, he played two seasons in Baton Rouge and was named a permanent team captain in 2022. Over 27 games, including nine starts, Jones demonstrated his adaptability across various linebacker positions and even at nickel.

Jones concluded his LSU career with 55 tackles and three tackles for loss (TFLs), adding to his Clemson achievements of 47 tackles, eight TFLs, and two interceptions in 29 games. Now, the Nashville native returns to LSU as part of Brian Kelly’s 2025 coaching staff, bringing significant SEC and ACC experience. Kelly gains a valuable addition with a proven track record in two Power 4 programs and a strong understanding of leadership dynamics.

But Mike Jones Jr.’s addition isn’t the only significant move Brian Kelly has made this offseason….

Offense gets a jolt! Kelly brought in Alex Atkins from Florida State, who was their offensive coordinator and handled the offensive line for three seasons. At LSU, Alex Atkins will serve as the tight ends coach and run-game coordinator. This hire fills a need created by Slade Nagle’s departure in December to become the offensive coordinator at Houston. Cortez Hankton will remain as co-offensive coordinator and WR coach, providing LSU with a comprehensive offensive leadership structure for the upcoming 2025 season.

Defensively, Kelly brought in Lance Guidry (DA), a Louisiana guy who was Miami’s defensive coordinator for the last couple of years before they split ways. Miami’s defense showed improvement in 2023 under Guidry, limiting opponents to 321.6 yards and 22.8 points per game. However, the unit struggled in 2024, allowing over 325 yards and nearly 26 points per game as Miami’s playoff hopes faded. That doesn’t change the fact that Guidry is an exceptional coach. But despite these coaching additions, the path to the playoffs for Brian Kelly’s LSU isn’t straightforward.

Tough road ahead for Brian Kelly’s LSU

LSU faces a challenging start to the 2025 season, opening at Clemson and facing five other teams from ESPN’s Way-Too-Early Top 25, including Florida, Ole Miss, South Carolina, Texas A&M, and Alabama. Despite this tough schedule, the Tigers’ talent level suggests they could contend for the playoffs.

However, a loss to Clemson in the opener could significantly reduce their margin for error. Brad Crawford of 247 Sports clearly stated the stakes for Brian Kelly and the team: “‘Operation: Get LSU to the Playoff’ is Brian Kelly’s only objective this fall. And he doesn’t have to win the SEC to accomplish that goal. However, if the Tigers stub their toe against Clemson in another season-opening loss, the margin for error shrinks considerably.”

With quarterback Garrett Nussmeier, considered one of the nation’s top quarterbacks, leading the team and supported by a top transfer class, anything short of a playoff spot in Year 4 would be a major disappointment for Brian Kelly. That’s a clear fact. Nussmeier had a remarkable season last year with 4,052 yards, 29 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions. While there were some inconsistencies with his arm, his potential is undeniable.

LSU fans have zero patience for another losing season, and the pressure is on. Brian Kelly’s 29 wins in three seasons haven’t fully satisfied the high expectations in Baton Rouge. Yet, analyst Andy Staples believes a 10-2 record is still possible against this schedule: “They can still go 10-2 against this schedule. Like, it’s hard, but if they’re as good as an LSU team should be talent-wise, they can manage it.”

Adding a former Clemson captain like Mike Jones Jr. is a smart move, and Brian Kelly seems to have more pieces in place. Their 2025 class remains strong with 23 commits, ranking 6th in the SEC. But ultimately, with that tough Clemson game kicking things off, the bottom line for Kelly and LSU is simple—they’ve got to deliver wins, and fans aren’t waiting around.