LSU football has made a significant move in its preparations for the 2025 season, announcing the hiring of former Miami Hurricanes defensive coordinator, Kevin Steele, as part of the team’s coaching staff. Steele, a veteran in the college football coaching circuit, brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record of building strong defensive units. His hiring is expected to bolster LSU’s defense as the Tigers look to continue their competitive push in the SEC and on the national stage.
Kevin Steele, known for his tough and aggressive defensive strategies, has held key positions at multiple high-profile programs throughout his career. Before his time at Miami, Steele was the defensive coordinator at Auburn University, where he made a lasting impact on the Tigers’ defensive play. Under Steele’s leadership, Auburn’s defense ranked among the best in the SEC, consistently ranking in the top 25 nationally for total defense and points allowed. His schemes are centered around relentless pressure, creating turnovers, and stopping the run — an approach that aligns with LSU’s rich tradition of tough, physical football.
Steele’s tenure at Miami, however, was marked by mixed results. While the Hurricanes showed flashes of defensive dominance, inconsistent play from the secondary and struggles against top-tier offenses hampered the team’s overall performance. Nonetheless, Steele’s reputation for developing elite defensive talent remained intact, and his leadership was integral in shaping Miami’s defensive culture. LSU’s coaching staff will be looking to tap into his extensive experience to build on the foundation already laid by current defensive-minded head coach Brian Kelly.
LSU has been a program in transition since the departure of former head coach Ed Orgeron, with Kelly working hard to establish his own identity while maintaining the standards of excellence that the Tigers have historically embodied. One of the primary areas of focus for Kelly’s staff has been to enhance the defense, which has been inconsistent in recent years. Steele’s hiring signifies a concerted effort to shore up this side of the ball, ensuring that LSU’s defense becomes a more formidable force in the SEC.
Steele’s ability to develop top-tier talent is another major selling point for his new role at LSU. During his career, he has mentored several future NFL stars, including defensive linemen, linebackers, and secondary players. This ability to develop players will be crucial as LSU aims to cultivate its next generation of defensive standouts. Furthermore, Steele’s extensive network and relationships with recruits across the country will likely help LSU secure top defensive prospects.
While his time at Miami may have been a bit up and down, Steele’s reputation as a defensive mastermind cannot be overlooked. His hiring is expected to be a game-changer for LSU as they gear up for the 2025 season and beyond. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how Steele shapes the Tigers’ defense and whether he can return LSU to the upper echelons of college football’s most elite defensive teams.