LSU football: Brian Kelly names his new offensive coordinator

LSU football fans can rejoice as the final significant gap in the 2024 coaching staff has closed. On Wednesday, Brian Kelly announced Joe Sloan’s promotion to offensive coordinator. Sloan was a popular choice among fans, having served as the Tigers’ quarterbacks coach since Kelly took over the program in 2022.

Kelly started searching for his new offensive coordinator in late December after longtime assistant Mike Denbrock accepted the same role with Notre Dame.

Cortez Hankton also received a promotion on Wednesday. Kelly announced Hankton will serve as the co-offensive coordinator.

I expect Sloan will call offensive plays, work with LSU quarterbacks, and have the final say with significant input from Hankton. Meanwhile, Hankton will retain his responsibilities as passing game coordinator and continue coaching wide receivers.

The duo served as interim co-offensive coordinators during LSU’s ReliaQuest Bowl win over Wisconsin on New Year’s Day.

The LSU football offensive staff is in great hands for 2024, with a pair of younger coordinators at the helm. Sloan and Hankton will maintain much continuity on the offensive side of the ball while introducing some newer scheme concepts.

It’s also worth mentioning the relationships both coaches have established with current players and recruits. Sloan remains the primary recruiter for Bryce Underwood, the top prospect for 2025. Likewise, Hankton is the primary recruit for Dakorien Moore, 2025’s top receiving prospect.

Few will argue against Sloan’s promotion. Under his tutelage, Jayden Daniels threw for 3,812 yards and 40 touchdowns on the way to the third Heisman Trophy in LSU football history.

An offensive coordinator's brain trust is not foreign to LSU football fans. In 2019, Steve Ensminger served as offensive coordinator but was co-piloted by Joe Brady.