Brian Kelly has made his decision on LSU’s next offensive coordinator

Brian Kelly has finalized his decision on LSU’s next offensive coordinator, selecting an internal replacement to address one of the remaining coaching vacancies. Quarterbacks coach Joe Sloan and wide receivers coach/passing game coordinator Cortez Hankton have been elevated to co-offensive coordinators, with Sloan taking on the role of LSU’s play-caller.

The possibility of an internal promotion gained strength after offensive coordinator Mike Denbrock’s departure on December 22. Sloan and Hankton previously served as co-offensive coordinators in the ReliaQuest Bowl, and Kelly had indicated their strong candidacy before the team’s 35-31 victory.

Sloan, formerly the offensive coordinator at Louisiana Tech from 2020-2021, has spent the last two years as LSU’s quarterbacks coach. Notably, he played a key role in developing Heisman Trophy winner Jayden Daniels and securing a commitment from five-star quarterback Bryce Underwood for the 2025 class.

Hankton, who joined LSU’s staff after four years as Georgia’s wide receivers coach and passing game coordinator, played a crucial role in developing NFL draft prospects Malik Nabers and Brian Thomas. In the past two years, he signed three top-200 overall recruits and solidified his reputation as a skilled developer of talent.

LSU has one remaining opening for an on-field assistant after making significant defensive coaching hires. The coaching staff is expected to be complete with the addition of a tight ends coach, a role previously filled by Denbrock.

Despite efforts to retain Denbrock, who oversaw a top-ranked offense nationally in points and yards per game last season, Kelly has chosen continuity on the offensive side. Sloan, with deep Louisiana ties, has established himself as a respected recruiter and talent developer, while Hankton, a New Orleans native, brings valuable in-state connections and a successful coaching track record.

Sloan’s focus on the run game, protections, and quarterback play, along with Hankton’s design of route concepts in the bowl game, contributed to their selection as co-offensive coordinators. They will now lead an offense returning six starters, including four on the offensive line, and redshirt junior quarterback Garrett Nussmeier.

In the last three weeks, Kelly has revamped the defensive staff and filled the offensive coordinator position, ensuring a fresh approach for the upcoming season while maintaining stability on the offensive side.