Who is Alex Atkins? What to know about LSU's new playcaller

With Monday morning’s dismissal of LSU offensive coordinator Joe Sloan, tight ends coach Alex Atkins takes over as the playcaller under interim head coach Frank Wilson. Atkins is in his first year in Baton Rouge, but what should you know about the Tigers’ interim play-caller? 

The Coach

Atkins was the offensive coordinator at Florida State from 2022 through 2024, after serving on the Seminoles’ staff in 2020 and 2021 as the offensive line coach. He was also the offensive coordinator at Charlotte in 2019 and the offensive line coach at Tulane for three years from 2016 through 2018.

Atkins had success at Florida State prior to 2024, with the offense averaging over 30 points per game during both the 2022 and 2023 seasons. The Seminoles averaged 36.1 points per game during a 2022 season that saw them reach ten wins. In 2023, Atkins’ offense averaged 34.6 points in a 13-win season. During his time with the Seminoles, Atkins produced three first-team All-ACC selections on the offensive line, along with the 2023 ACC Player of the Year in quarterback Jordan Travis. Florida State. 

In his lone season at Charlotte, Atkins helped the 49ers reach their first bowl game in program history. 

Atkins’ ability to develop has also been touted bythe media and fans as well. The 2023 unit for Florida State ranked second overall in PFF’s run-blocking grade. Could LSU see an uptick in its run game? 

The Recruiter

Atkins played a role in five-star Solomon Thomas flipping from Florida State to LSU in the 2025 class. After Atkins was fired, Thomas and he remained close, and he took his advice as he made his college decision.

“I went to a practice, and I asked my ex-coach at Florida State about the offensive line coach at LSU, and he was like, ‘He’s a great dude on and off the field,” Thomas said. “‘He will take care of you beyond the football aspect of it,’ and that’s always been a guy that I wanted to play for.”

Atkins is a players’ coach. There’s no doubt about it. His ability to connect with recruits and their families has long been a standout quality about him. 

His ties to Louisiana are important as well, as the longtime coach spent several seasons at Tulane. If he were to stick through to the next regime, he could be an asset within the state, especially for offensive linemen. He has built quite a relationship with current tight end Trey’Dez Green and elite recruit Ahmad Hudson. There is a sense of respect from players about the way Atkins recruits and coaches them. 

Trey’Dez Green told reporters last week that Atkins had been a major help in his learning to play the tight end position, complimenting him on his ability to teach the game.