LSU Hires Ole Miss’s Kevin Smith as Running Backs Coach Amid Staff Shakeups

LSU football head coach Lane Kiffin has made a significant offseason hire, securing Kevin Smith from Ole Miss to lead the Tigers’ running backs. The move adds a high-profile coach to Kiffin’s first staff and underscores LSU’s commitment to attracting top offensive talent.

Smith’s hiring is a notable acquisition, reportedly paying close to $1 million per year, positioning him among the nation’s highest-paid running backs coaches. Smith brings a proven track record, having developed standout backs at Ole Miss including Kewan Lacy and Quinshon Judkins, the latter before his transfer to Ohio State.

The addition of Smith is expected to enhance LSU’s recruiting appeal. Prospective running backs aiming for SEC success or NFL careers will likely view his presence as a key reason to consider Baton Rouge. Kiffin’s offensive system, paired with Smith’s tutelage, provides a strong platform for developing top-tier talent.

However, LSU is also navigating staff and player losses. The Tigers recently saw cornerback Mansoor Delane declare for the NFL Draft and freshman quarterback Tre Peoples enter the transfer portal, creating immediate gaps in both defense and offensive continuity. These changes illustrate the challenges Kiffin faces while assembling a competitive roster.

1. Kevin Smith’s Impact and Coaching Credentials

Kevin Smith has built a reputation as one of college football’s elite running backs coaches. At Ole Miss, he developed multiple NFL-caliber backs, demonstrating his ability to maximize both talent and opportunity in a competitive SEC environment. Smith’s coaching style emphasizes both fundamentals and versatility, preparing players for professional careers while optimizing team performance. His experience in high-pressure games and bowl appearances gives LSU recruits confidence in their development path. The financial commitment by LSU underscores the value placed on Smith’s expertise. With a salary approaching $1 million, he ranks among the highest-paid position coaches nationally, reflecting both the demand for his skill set and LSU’s willingness to invest in top-tier talent. Bringing Smith into Baton Rouge signals Kiffin’s focus on the ground game as a central component of LSU’s offensive strategy. The hire enhances the Tigers’ profile for recruits and strengthens the coaching staff for the 2026 season.

2. Player Departures and Team Challenges

Despite the high-profile addition of Smith, LSU faces notable roster departures. Cornerback Mansoor Delane declared for the NFL Draft, finishing his Tigers career as a Unanimous All-American, leaving a significant gap in the secondary. Offensively, the transfer of freshman quarterback Tre Peoples marks the first QB exit since Kiffin’s tenure began. Peoples’ departure may prompt adjustments to quarterback development plans and signal the competitive environment under Kiffin’s system. These exits create immediate challenges for LSU, particularly in key positions that influence both offensive rhythm and defensive stability. Kiffin must balance incoming talent with continuity to maintain competitiveness in the SEC. The combination of departures and hires illustrates the dynamic nature of college football staffing, where coaching and player movement can reshape programs rapidly, requiring adaptability from both staff and players.

3. Coaching Crossroads Between LSU and Ole Miss

While LSU gained Kevin Smith, Ole Miss has bolstered its staff with LSU ties. Former LSU associate athletic director Austin Thomas has joined the Rebels, and interim head coach Frank Wilson will also move to Oxford, highlighting the ongoing exchange of talent between the two programs. This cross-pollination emphasizes the interconnected nature of SEC coaching networks. Both schools benefit from familiarity with rival systems and personnel, while players and recruits gain exposure to experienced coaches across multiple programs. For Kiffin, retaining momentum despite staff and player departures is a priority. Integrating Smith quickly and maximizing his impact will be crucial as LSU seeks to maintain its position in the competitive SEC landscape. Ultimately, the coaching shuffle between LSU and Ole Miss illustrates how critical hires and losses can shape team identity, recruiting, and on-field success in a short timeframe.