How their latest coaching move puts LSU Tigers ahead of competition

The LSU Tigers announced Brian Polian would shift from special teams coach to an off-field role like a general manager. It’s a development that creates an advantage for Brian Kelly’s program.

College football feels more like an ‘NFL lite,’ especially in the LSU Tigers program. Head coach Brian Kelly has shifted Brian Polian to a role many are equating to that of a general manager. A college football program employing a GM seems odd. Then again, we live in a world where the transfer portal doesn’t sleep, and NIL partnerships drive recruiting. We think an LSU Tigers GM provides a competitive advantage.

Polian will not serve as LSU Tigers GM in the same manner as a professional sports GM. One can assume his responsibilities center on roster management to stay ahead of attrition. However, Polian serves under Kelly, who will have the final say. Either way, Polian’s job likely includes connecting the dots between recruits and NIL incentives. Also, we assume he is charged with knowing the transfer portal, like the back of his eyelids. As of December 2022, more than 850 players from FBS programs entered the portal.

in a de facto GM role, Polian allows Kelly to focus more on coaching during the season

The days of the LSU Tigers recruiting predominantly after a season are gone. Today, recruiting is a 24/7 responsibility, regardless of when and how programs are permitted communication with recruits. Either way, in a de facto GM role, Polian allows Kelly to focus more on coaching during the season. In a perfect world, Polian provides Kelly with all the info he needs to dispatch coaches for visits when recruiting windows open.

Of course, Polian’s new position means the LSU Tigers need a new special teams coach. LSU’s special teams struggled in 2022; thus, one can assume Kelly killed two birds with one stone by moving Polian to other duties. Kelly likely realized the need for a GM and a different direction on special teams. Reassigning Polian makes sense. Moreover, one can assume the LSU head coach has candidates in mind to potentially fill the special teams coordinator role.

Polian was among the Bayou Bengals’ most experienced coaches and migrated to LSU with Kelly last offseason. He is a former college head coach and the son of former NFL executive Bill Polian.