After months of speculation, LSU finally announced on Jan. 3 that they are dismissing defensive coordinator Matt House. Additionally, they are parting ways with defensive back coaches Robert Steeples and Kerry Cooks, along with defensive line coach Jimmy Lindsey.
Hear the LSU Head Coach’s Thoughts on the Matter
Head Coach Brian Kelly released a statement following the news.
Photo Cred: Alamy
“This morning, I met with Matt House, Kerry Cooks, Robert Steeples, and Jimmy Lindsey to inform them that they would not return to our coaching staff in 2024. I want to thank each of these coaches for their work on behalf of our football program and our institution during their time here,” expressed Kelly. “Decisions like these are always difficult, and we do not make them lightly, but they are made with the best interests of our program and our student-athletes in mind. Moving forward, we will continue working to build a championship-caliber coaching staff in support of our mission to Graduate Champions.”
History of Matt House
House became a part of the LSU coaching staff under head coach Brian Kelly in 2021. Prior to accepting the position, he coached linebackers for the NFL’s Kansas City Chiefs for three years. LSU fans certainly had elevated expectations for their defense. However, the Tigers were presumably let down instead, ranking 208th nationally in defense this past season.
Photo Cred: TigerBait.com
Future of LSU’s Defense
In past years, Kelly has a track record of hiring high-quality and respectable defensive coordinators. Three of his most notable ones have been Marcus Freeman (the current Notre Dame head coach), Mike Elko (the current Texas A&M HC), and Clark Lea (the current Vanderbilt HC). There is widespread anticipation that Kelly will revamp the defense before the upcoming season. Let’s hope he can deliver!
Photo Cred: San Diego Union-Tribune
The Tigers Find Their Guy
As an update to the story, it appears that Kelly has finally found his new defensive coordinator. On Jan. 9, former Missouri DC Blake Baker made a lateral move to LSU.
