LSU’s Coaching Staff Depth Takes a Hit as Two Staffers Join Group of 5 Programs…
An often overlooked aspect of college football is the depth of a team’s coaching staff. While fans are familiar with the head coach and coordinators, true enthusiasts also recognize the importance of position coaches. However, few are aware of the analysts and graduate assistants who play crucial behind-the-scenes roles.
Analysts are invaluable for incorporating experienced former head coaches or rising coaching talents, contributing significantly to game preparation and advanced scouting. On Friday night, LSU saw two of its analysts depart for new opportunities.
The more prominent loss is Senior Analyst Todd Fitch, who has been hired by Charlotte as their offensive coordinator. Fitch’s extensive coaching resume includes stints at Vanderbilt, Louisiana Tech, Boston College, USF, East Carolina, and UConn. His departure is a setback, especially for Joe Sloan, who is continuing to grow in his role as a coordinator, as Fitch provided valuable expertise and support.
Another significant loss is graduate assistant Kanan Ray, who is returning to Tulane after just one season with LSU. Ray had previously spent a season at Tulane before joining LSU, and his return in an elevated role is seen as a big gain for Tulane. Highly regarded by many analysts, Ray had the potential to develop into a key long-term asset for LSU had he stayed.
Despite these departures, LSU is unlikely to be heavily impacted, as they are expected to attract other top-tier analysts. A potential candidate could be Alex Atkins, former Florida State offensive line coach and offensive coordinator, who was recently let go. Atkins is known for his recruiting skills and has built strong relationships with players like Solomon Thomas, which could benefit LSU’s future development efforts.
