BREAKING NEWS: LSU confirms the signing Another superstar
Brian Kelly has completed his on-field staff by bringing on former Tulane offensive coordinator Slade Nagle, according to sources confirmed by LSU Country. This news was initially reported by FootballScoop.
Nagle, who hails from Lake Charles and had a previous role as Tulane’s offensive coordinator, is set to join LSU’s coaching staff as the tight ends coach. This move adds another Louisiana-connected member to the impressive staff in Baton Rouge.
Taking charge of a talented tight end group at Death Valley, Nagle steps in following the signing of the nation’s top tight end prospect, Trey’Dez Green from Zachary High.
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This hiring further solidifies Brian Kelly’s coaching staff, bringing in a seasoned veteran and accomplished play-caller in Nagle. LSU recently named Joe Sloan and Cortez Hankton as co-offensive coordinators, and with Nagle on board, they now have a well-rounded coaching team with diverse experiences.
The Offensive Promotions:
Joe Sloan and Cortez Hankton have been appointed as Co-Offensive Coordinators for LSU, with Sloan taking on the primary role of offensive play-caller, while Hankton will play a crucial role in play design and the passing game.
Brian Kelly has pieced together an impressive offseason for #LSU.
Grand slam hire after grand slam hire.
The Staff:
Co-OC/QBs: Joe Sloan
Co-OC/WRs: Cortez Hankton
TEs: Slade Nagle
DC/LBs: Blake Baker
DL: Bo Davis
EDGE: Kevin Peoples
CBs: Corey Raymond
Safeties: Jake Olsen pic.twitter.com/cZlKwoPCYi— Zack Nagy (@znagy20) January 24, 2024
This decision has been eagerly anticipated by many LSU fans, especially after Sloan and Hankton effectively handled offensive coordinator responsibilities during the Tigers’ ReliaQuest Bowl victory over Wisconsin, showcasing their capabilities in line with Kelly’s vision for his rising stars.
Sloan has played a vital role in LSU’s recruiting success, contributing to the landing of Bryce Underwood, the No. 1 prospect in the nation.
Hankton’s effectiveness is evident in the results. As the Tigers’ passing game coordinator, he guided star wide receivers Malik Nabers and Brian Thomas Jr. to exceptional performances. Both are anticipated to be selected in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft, with Nabers leading the country in receiving yards and Thomas Jr. leading in receiving touchdowns.
With Sloan and Hankton now at the helm, the 2023 LSU offense displayed brilliance, setting the stage for them to be the future leaders of this unit.
A look into the success last fall:
LSU has secured the NCAA statistical titles for scoring offense and total offense for the second time in five years, claiming the top spot in both categories. The Tigers finished the season with a 10-3 record, concluding with a 35-31 victory over Wisconsin in the ReliaQuest Bowl.
LSU led all FBS teams in scoring, averaging 45.5 points per game, and topped the charts in total offense with an average of 543.5 yards. While these figures rank second in school history, following the 2019 team’s averages of 48.4 points and 568.4 yards, they mark the third-best total offense average in SEC history, trailing only the 2019 LSU Tigers and the 2012 Texas A&M team.
This achievement is noteworthy as, prior to 2019, LSU had never held the top spot in either scoring offense or total offense. Remarkably, they have now achieved this feat twice in the past five years.
During the 2023 season, LSU surpassed the 40-point mark in nine games and reached 500 yards of offense in nine games, peaking at 701 yards in a win over Florida.
Individually, Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback Jayden Daniels led the nation in various categories, including total offense, pass efficiency, points responsible for per game, yards per rush, and rushing yards by a quarterback. Daniels set a new FBS record with a pass efficiency rating of 208.0, surpassing the previous mark set in 2021.
Daniels concluded his career as the only player in FBS history to pass for 12,000 yards and rush for 3,000 yards, accumulating 12,749 passing yards and 3,307 rushing yards in 53 games. He also ranked nationally in passing touchdowns, passing yards per game, passing yards per completion, and total passing yards.
LSU’s top two receivers, Malik Nabers and Brian Thomas, led the nation in receiving categories, with Thomas leading in receiving touchdowns and Nabers topping the charts in receiving yards per game and ranking second in total receiving yards. Nabers, a consensus All-American, became LSU’s all-time leader in receptions and receiving yards.