Brian Kelly reveals how LSU will approach its defensive scheme in 2022

Brian Kelly and the new LSU Tigers staff have hit the ground running with their eyes set on instant success in 2022.

To accomplish that will depend heavily on the revamped staff’s new scheme, including defensively, with Kelly introducing new defensive coordinator Matt House during a Wednesday press conference in Baton Rouge.

“I think offensive minded coaches will tell you if you line up one way, you’re going to have a long day,” Kelly said. “And so, we are going to defensively, be able to give you multiple looks. Obviously, try to keep the personnel as constant as possible and make it difficult for offenses to know what they are going to get from down to down.”

Brian Kelly believes his defensive philosophy aligns with how football is coached and schemed at the college level in the modern era.

“That’s really the game today, right,?” Kelly added.

If you are constantly moving personnel in and out of the game in multiple packages, it makes it a little bit more of a game for the offense because they can change tempo on you. So, we are going to try to have the pen last in a lot of those situations.”

Brian Kelly on why he hired Matt House as DC

Kelly brought Matt House to LSU as the Tigers defensive coordinator for his revitalization of the program. In a press conference on Wednesday, Kelly revealed what led him to hiring House as one of his top assistants.

“First and foremost, somebody that communicates effectively,” started Kelly, when asked what he was looking for when hiring House. “Can develop his staff. You know, this isn’t about what you know. This is about how you can empower others. Matt has a proven track record of being able to bring others along with him, and develop them. Players and coaches alike.

“So, I think I’m looking at how they bring the room together. You know, other coaches, and then players. You know, his work at Kentucky was outstanding,” Brian Kelly continued. “The development of the defense through the years at Kansas City — obviously — were big. Got a chance to watch him first hand at Pittsburgh. You know, went against him there. Loved the way he made adjustments, and things of that nature. So, I think some first hand.

“But I think what I’m looking for in particular is the ability to not only have the knowledge of the position, but how that knowledge is developed amongst the other members of the staff, as well.”

As you can see, Kelly was impressed with the successful track record House possesses. Evidently, certain stops stand out, like House’s time in Pittsburgh as the Panthers’ secondary coach, and in Kentucky as the defensive coordinator of the Wildcats. Additionally, Kelly pointed out House’s most recent gig, where he was with the Kansas City Chiefs as their linebackers coach.

Brian Kelly is elated to have Matt House as his defensive coordinator. Listening to the coach speak about his hiring, it’s easy to see the joy in his voice.