Matt House looking for buy-in before LSU plays fast on defense

LSU defensive coordinator Matt House is assessing what his new players can do in offseason workouts with strength and conditioning coach Jake Flint. That’s the first step to determining what exactly LSU will deploy defensively in 2022.

Coming from the Kansas City Chiefs, Matt House sees a passionate university used to winning and he’s finding what his players are equipped to do. From there, he’ll dive into putting together his scheme.

“We’re still learning our guys,” House said Wednesday when introduced to the media. “Football 101 is try to accentuate your positives and keep them out of negative situations. As coaches and a coaching staff we got the experience and versatility to put them in good situations, but there’s a process of learning what your guys can and can’t do before executing that. That’s the process we’re doing this winter and going through spring ball.”

For LSU head coach Brian Kelly, Matt House has coached every position on defense. Not only did his coordinator experience stand out, but it was his versatility and ability to develop staff that was vital.

“He’s coached the positions,” Kelly said. “He can fix the defense if it needs to get fixed and he’s won at the highest level. He’s won a Super Bowl, so he’s a winning football coach and a great teacher, a great communicator. Having experience in the SEC as a coordinator was certainly something I was looking for.”

Matt House looking for championship habits, attitude

Matt House said developing the habits in workouts necessary for a successful defense is critical ahead of spring practice, which begins March 24. Being a tight locker room is critical to success as well.

“What we’re doing right now, we’re trying to get our guys to buy into the habits and the focus to do the things right day in and day out so when we do get on the grass and execute the plan, we can be consistent in our execution,” he said. “We can be a gritty defense that has the traits to strain play in and play out.

“The No. 1 thing is, talent will only get you so far. Winning at that level, the locker room, the leaders at each position group, the standard, the consistency to win day in and day out, those are the things that win at that level.”

With offenses moving at a fast pace, Kelly knows seeing multiple looks, without hustling players in and out to substitute, is a difficult balance. Matt House is capable of that.

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

Overall, House’s goal is to confuse opposing signal callers so his defense is the one to play fast, not the offense.

“It can appear to the quarterback that you’re complicated, while keeping it simple enough for your guys to play fast on defense and that’s what we’ll do.”

Ready to get all your latest LSU athletics news in one place? Become a member of The Bengal Tiger today. With your Bengal Tiger membership, you’ll not only have access to the goings on in Baton Rouge, but you’ll be able to peruse other fan sites within the On3 network to hear just how rivals are feeling about the Tigers, as well. Make sure to follow along on Twitter (@BengalTigerOn3) and on Facebook for all the LSU news you need now! And listen to The Bengal Tiger Podcast on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.