Tyrann Mathieu: Lane Kiffin checks all the boxes for LSU

The Lane Kiffin era in Baton Rouge has arrived. Former LSU star Tyrann Mathieu is one of many alumni who are excited about the move.

Mathieu joined the Paul Finebaum Show on Thursday to discuss several topics including his reaction to the new hire. It’s safe to say that the Honey Badger is elated about the move.

“I’m excited about it, first and foremost,” Mathieu told Finebaum. “I think Lane (Kiffin) is going to bring to LSU, really, what all of us alumni and fans have been craving, outside of the Joe Burrow era. How can we run the football? How can we push it down the field? How can we score points? From that perspective, I think Lane checks all those boxes.”

He praised Kiffin’s job in retaining defensive coordinator Blake Baker and the majority of his defensive staff. However, Mathieu was clear when stating that the most important piece for Kiffin to retain on his roster is former interim head coach Frank Wilson.

Wilson is in his second stint with the program has has coached the Tigers’ running backs since 2022 and carries with him a reputation as one of the best recruiters in the industry. He previously held the same position at LSU from 2010-2015.

His future with the program is uncertain, and recent reports note that at least one major SEC program may be interested in hiring him away from LSU. On3’s Pete Nakos reported that Wilson isn’t expected to make his decision in the immediate future. If he does leave, it would be major loss for Kiffin’s initial staff.

Regardless, high expectations follow Kiffin to Baton Rouge. LSU parted ways with former head coach Brian Kelly for not meeting the Tigers’ standard. Kiffin is expected to bring College Football Playoff-level success to Baton Rouge annually.

After all, Kiffin coached Ole Miss to an 11-1 record this past season, earning the Rebels a No. 6-seed in the College Football Playoff. Some of the coaches expected to follow Kiffin to LSU are remaining in Oxford to coach the team through its playoff push, including offensive coordinator Charlie Weis.

Depending on where they finish, Kiffin may have his full staff in place just in time to tackle the NCAA transfer portal. The new one-time window opens on Jan. 2. By the end of January, we should have a look at Kiffin’s first roster in Baton Rouge.