In a significant shake-up within LSU’s football program, former Florida State offensive coordinator Alex Atkins has been appointed as the interim offensive coordinator following the dismissal of head coach Brian Kelly and offensive coordinator Joe Sloan. This move comes after a series of disappointing performances that have left the Tigers’ offense struggling to meet expectations.
Atkins, who joined LSU earlier this year as the tight ends coach and run game coordinator, brings a wealth of experience to his new role. Prior to his tenure at LSU, he served as the offensive coordinator at Florida State from 2022 to 2024. During his time in Tallahassee, Atkins was known for implementing a high-powered offense that averaged 36.1 points per game during the 2022 season. However, his tenure at Florida State ended abruptly in November 2024 after a disappointing 1-9 start to the season, leading to his dismissal Wikipedia.
At LSU, Atkins inherits an offense that has underperformed relative to its talent. The Tigers are currently ranked ninth in the Southeastern Conference in scoring, averaging 25.5 points per game, and 14th in total offense with 355.5 yards per game. Most concerning is their last-place ranking in rushing offense, accumulating only 850 yards on the season And The Valley Shook.
The decision to elevate Atkins to the role of interim offensive coordinator follows the firing of Joe Sloan, who had been in his second season calling plays for LSU. Sloan was credited with significant contributions to the development of quarterbacks Jayden Daniels and Garrett Nussmeier, the latter of whom threw for over 4,000 yards and 29 touchdowns in the 2024 season. Despite these individual successes, the overall offensive performance under Sloan’s leadership failed to meet expectations, leading to his dismissal Reuters.
Atkins’ appointment signals a shift in LSU’s offensive philosophy. Known for his emphasis on a balanced attack and physicality in the running game, Atkins will likely look to revitalize an LSU offense that has struggled to establish a consistent ground game. His experience as an offensive line coach at Tulane and Georgia Southern, as well as his time as offensive coordinator at Charlotte, provides him with a solid foundation to address the Tigers’ offensive woes.
The timing of this coaching change is critical, as LSU enters the latter part of the season with a 5-3 record. With aspirations of securing a spot in the College Football Playoff, the Tigers cannot afford further slip-ups. Atkins will have to quickly implement his system and make the necessary adjustments to improve the offense’s performance.
As LSU moves forward under interim head coach Frank Wilson, the spotlight will be on Atkins to deliver the offensive resurgence the program desperately needs. The coming weeks will be pivotal in determining whether Atkins can translate his previous successes into a revitalized LSU offense capable of competing at the highest level.
