Stature and coaches, 1936–2026
The program’s standing over time, with every coach’s tenure beneath it — read down to see who was there for each rise and fall.
Run↔pass identity, by season
Every coach
Big movers show how many stature points they built or lost against what they inherited; steadier tenures show the tier they reached instead. A small blue arrow marks a real System Shift at that changeover — how hard the offense’s run/pass identity flipped.
4th-best LSU tenure of 13 by the numbers.
Followed Ed Orgeron (2016–2021) · succeeded by Frank Wilson (2025).
| Season | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Record & result | |||||
| Record | 10-4 | 10-3 | 9-4 | 5-3 | |
| Postseason | W bowl | W bowl | W bowl | — | |
| Recruiting rank | #12 | #6 | #7 | #10 | |
| Style — pass rate | |||||
| Pass rate | 48.1 | 48.9 | 59.0 | 54.4 | |
| Coordinators | |||||
| OC | Mike Denbrock | Mike Denbrock | Joe Sloan / Cortez Hankton | Joe Sloan / Cortez Hankton | |
| DC | Matt House | Matt House | Blake Baker | Blake Baker | |
| Outcome — opponent-adjusted efficiency percentile | |||||
| Offense | 92 | 99 | 80 | 22 | |
| Defense | 86 | 6 | 47 | 75 | |
| Tendencies — play-by-play, neutral script | |||||
| 1st-down pass% | 45.8 | 48.5 | 56.1 | 48.7 | |
| Red-zone pass% | 35.6 | 31.7 | 54.5 | 41.2 | |
| 4th-down go%opp. territory | 39.0 | 38.5 | 40.9 | 22.0 | |
Performs about as expected for his recruiting talent on offense and underperforms his recruiting talent on defense.
A typical amount of portal roster-building.
Brings in bigger-than-position-typical players than most.
Recruits older, more experienced transfers than most.
26 NFL Draft picks: BJ Ojulari (2023), Anthony Bradford (2023), Jay Ward (2023), Jaquelin Roy (2023), Kayshon Boutte (2023), Jarrick Bernard-Converse (2023), Jayden Daniels (2024), Malik Nabers (2024) + 18 more
4 player-seasons honored (All-America / national award): Jayden Daniels (2023), Malik Nabers (2023), Will Campbell (2024), Mansoor Delane (2025)
AI Narratives — “LSU's Offseason Moves Create Starter Risks” and 5 more on the team page.
2nd-best LSU tenure of 13 by the numbers.
Followed Les Miles (2005–2016) · succeeded by Brian Kelly (2022–2025).
| Season | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Record & result | |||||||
| Record | 6-2 | 9-4 | 10-3 | 15-0 | 5-5 | 6-6 | |
| Postseason | W bowl | L bowl | W bowl | Champion | — | L bowl | |
| Recruiting rank | #2 | #7 | #15 | #5 | #4 | #4 | |
| Style — pass rate | |||||||
| Pass rate | 39.4 | 34.8 | 40.7 | 52.5 | 53.8 | 49.9 | |
| Coordinators | |||||||
| OC | Cam Cameron | Matt Canada | Steve Ensminger | Steve Ensminger | Steve Ensminger | Jake Peetz | |
| DC | Dave Aranda | Dave Aranda | Dave Aranda | Dave Aranda | Bo Pelini | Daronte Jones | |
| Outcome — opponent-adjusted efficiency percentile | |||||||
| Offense | 80 | 83 | 53 | 100 | 42 | 52 | |
| Defense | 93 | 61 | 89 | 83 | 19 | 40 | |
| Tendencies — play-by-play, neutral script | |||||||
| 1st-down pass% | 36.0 | 29.6 | 40.6 | 60.7 | 49.7 | 48.0 | |
| Red-zone pass% | 26.9 | 21.9 | 26.9 | 48.5 | 43.0 | 54.1 | |
| 4th-down go%opp. territory | 15.4 | 11.4 | 16.7 | 20.6 | 29.4 | 45.2 | |
Performs about as expected for his recruiting talent, on both sides of the ball.
Barely touches the portal — recruits and develops his own.
Brings in smaller-than-position-typical players than most.
Recruits older, more experienced transfers than most.
49 NFL Draft picks: Leonard Fournette (2017), Jamal Adams (2017), Tre'Davious White (2017), Ethan Pocic (2017), Duke Riley (2017), Kendell Beckwith (2017), Davon Godchaux (2017), Malachi Dupre (2017) + 41 more
4 player-seasons honored (All-America / national award): Joe Burrow (2019), Derek Stingley Jr. (2020), Cade York (2020), Zach Von Rosenberg (2020)
1st-best LSU tenure of 13 by the numbers.
Followed Nick Saban (2000–2004) · succeeded by Ed Orgeron (2016–2021).
| Season | 2005 | 2006 | 2007 | 2008 | 2009 | 2010 | 2011 | 2012 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Record & result | |||||||||||||
| Record | 11-2 | 11-2 | 12-2 | 8-5 | 9-4 | 11-2 | 13-1 | 10-3 | 10-3 | 8-5 | 9-3 | 2-2 | |
| Postseason | W bowl | W bowl | W bowl | W bowl | L bowl | W bowl | Title game L | L bowl | W bowl | L bowl | W bowl | — | |
| Recruiting rank | #14 | #8 | #5 | #13 | #1 | #9 | #8 | #13 | #6 | #2 | #5 | #2 | |
| Style — pass rate | |||||||||||||
| Pass rate | 41.4 | 45.0 | 41.9 | 44.2 | 43.6 | 35.9 | 32.1 | 40.3 | 38.4 | 30.8 | 35.5 | 39.4 | |
| Coordinators | |||||||||||||
| OC | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | Cam Cameron | Cam Cameron | Cam Cameron | |
| DC | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | John Chavis | Kevin Steele | Dave Aranda | |
| Outcome — opponent-adjusted efficiency percentile | |||||||||||||
| Offense | 91 | 96 | 83 | 52 | 61 | 56 | 60 | 21 | 89 | 50 | 89 | 80 | |
| Defense | 100 | 91 | 87 | 76 | 90 | 75 | 80 | 72 | 81 | 91 | 71 | 93 | |
| Tendencies — play-by-play, neutral script | |||||||||||||
| 1st-down pass% | 41.1 | 46.0 | 39.2 | 38.1 | 44.8 | 35.1 | 24.5 | 33.5 | 36.8 | 25.2 | 29.9 | 36.0 | |
| Red-zone pass% | 31.9 | 40.0 | 35.8 | 29.8 | 34.1 | 27.1 | 21.8 | 29.0 | 27.1 | 31.4 | 30.5 | 26.9 | |
| 4th-down go%opp. territory | 11.8 | 37.5 | 20.4 | 25.0 | 17.1 | 15.8 | 4.0 | 12.5 | 17.9 | 26.5 | 6.7 | 15.4 | |
Performs about as expected for his recruiting talent, on both sides of the ball.
77 NFL Draft picks: Joseph Addai (2006), Andrew Whitworth (2006), Claude Wroten (2006), Skyler Green (2006), Kyle Williams (2006), Melvin Oliver (2006), Bennie Brazell (2006), JaMarcus Russell (2007) + 69 more
6th-best LSU tenure of 13 by the numbers.
Followed Gerry DiNardo (1995–1999) · succeeded by Les Miles (2005–2016).
| Season | 2000 | 2001 | 2002 | 2003 | 2004 | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Record & result | ||||||
| Record | 8-4 | 10-3 | 8-5 | 13-1 | 9-3 | |
| Postseason | W bowl | W bowl | L bowl | W bowl | L bowl | |
| Recruiting rank | — | — | — | — | #4 | |
| Style — pass rate | ||||||
| Pass rate | — | — | — | — | 38.7 | |
| Outcome — opponent-adjusted efficiency percentile | ||||||
| Offense | — | — | — | — | 81 | |
| Defense | — | — | — | — | 84 | |
| Tendencies — play-by-play, neutral script | ||||||
| 1st-down pass% | — | — | — | — | 29.6 | |
| Red-zone pass% | — | — | — | — | 28.6 | |
| 4th-down go%opp. territory | — | — | — | — | 24.0 | |
22 NFL Draft picks: Brandon Winey (2001), Josh Booty (2001), Louis Williams (2001), Josh Reed (2002), Rohan Davey (2002), Jarvis Green (2002), Robert Royal (2002), Howard Green (2002) + 14 more
13th-best LSU tenure of 13 by the numbers.
Followed Curley Hallman (1991–1994) · succeeded by Nick Saban (2000–2004).
| Season | 1995 | 1996 | 1997 | 1998 | 1999 | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Record & result | ||||||
| Record | 7-4-1 | 10-2 | 9-3 | 4-7 | 3-8 | |
| Postseason | W bowl | W bowl | W bowl | — | — | |
| Recruiting rank | — | — | — | — | — | |
| Style — pass rate | ||||||
| Pass rate | — | — | — | — | — | |
| Outcome — opponent-adjusted efficiency percentile | ||||||
| Offense | — | — | — | — | — | |
| Defense | — | — | — | — | — | |
| Tendencies — play-by-play, neutral script | ||||||
| 1st-down pass% | — | — | — | — | — | |
| Red-zone pass% | — | — | — | — | — | |
| 4th-down go%opp. territory | — | — | — | — | — | |
11 NFL Draft picks: David LaFleur (1997), Denard Walker (1997), Nicky Savoie (1997), Alan Faneca (1998), Kenny Mixon (1998), Chuck Wiley (1998), Anthony McFarland (1999), Kevin Faulk (1999) + 3 more
11th-best LSU tenure of 13 by the numbers.
Followed Mike Archer (1987–1990) · succeeded by Gerry DiNardo (1995–1999).
6 NFL Draft picks: Marc Boutte (1992), Todd Kinchen (1992), Kevin Mawae (1994), Harold Bishop (1994), Rodney Young (1995), Marcus Price (1995)
8th-best LSU tenure of 13 by the numbers.
Followed Bill Arnsparger (1984–1986) · succeeded by Curley Hallman (1991–1994).
| Season | 1987 | 1988 | 1989 | 1990 | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Record & result | |||||
| Record | 10-1-1 | 8-4 | 4-7 | 5-6 | |
| Postseason | W bowl | L bowl | — | — | |
| Recruiting rank | — | — | — | — | |
| Style — pass rate | |||||
| Pass rate | — | — | — | — | |
| Outcome — opponent-adjusted efficiency percentile | |||||
| Offense | — | — | — | — | |
| Defense | — | — | — | — | |
| Tendencies — play-by-play, neutral script | |||||
| 1st-down pass% | — | — | — | — | |
| Red-zone pass% | — | — | — | — | |
| 4th-down go%opp. territory | — | — | — | — | |
12 NFL Draft picks: Eric Hill (1989), Ralph Norwood (1989), Greg Jackson (1989), Mike Mayes (1989), Ron Sancho (1989), Kenny Davidson (1990), Tommy Hodson (1990), Tony Moss (1990) + 4 more
9th-best LSU tenure of 13 by the numbers.
Followed Jerry Stovall (1980–1983) · succeeded by Mike Archer (1987–1990).
| Season | 1984 | 1985 | 1986 | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Record & result | ||||
| Record | 8-3-1 | 9-2-1 | 9-3 | |
| Postseason | L bowl | L bowl | L bowl | |
| Recruiting rank | — | — | — | |
| Style — pass rate | ||||
| Pass rate | — | — | — | |
| Outcome — opponent-adjusted efficiency percentile | ||||
| Offense | — | — | — | |
| Defense | — | — | — | |
| Tendencies — play-by-play, neutral script | ||||
| 1st-down pass% | — | — | — | |
| Red-zone pass% | — | — | — | |
| 4th-down go%opp. territory | — | — | — | |
11 NFL Draft picks: Jeff Dale (1985), Lance Smith (1985), Liffort Hobley (1985), Eric Martin (1985), Garry James (1986), Dalton Hilliard (1986), Karl Wilson (1987), Henry Thomas (1987) + 3 more
10th-best LSU tenure of 13 by the numbers.
Followed Charles McClendon (1962–1979) · succeeded by Bill Arnsparger (1984–1986).
| Season | 1980 | 1981 | 1982 | 1983 | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Record & result | |||||
| Record | 7-4 | 3-7-1 | 8-3-1 | 4-7 | |
| Postseason | — | — | L bowl | — | |
| Recruiting rank | — | — | — | — | |
| Style — pass rate | |||||
| Pass rate | — | — | — | — | |
| Outcome — opponent-adjusted efficiency percentile | |||||
| Offense | — | — | — | — | |
| Defense | — | — | — | — | |
| Tendencies — play-by-play, neutral script | |||||
| 1st-down pass% | — | — | — | — | |
| Red-zone pass% | — | — | — | — | |
| 4th-down go%opp. territory | — | — | — | — | |
12 NFL Draft picks: Chris Williams (1981), Lyman White (1981), Greg LaFleur (1981), Tracy Porter (1981), Orlando McDaniel (1982), Leonard Marshall (1983), James Britt (1983), Tim Joiner (1983) + 4 more
3rd-best LSU tenure of 13 by the numbers.
Followed Paul Dietzel (1955–1961) · succeeded by Jerry Stovall (1980–1983).
| Season | 1962 | 1963 | 1964 | 1965 | 1966 | 1967 | 1968 | 1969 | 1970 | 1971 | 1972 | 1973 | 1974 | 1975 | 1976 | 1977 | 1978 | 1979 | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Record & result | |||||||||||||||||||
| Record | 9-1-1 | 7-4 | 8-2-1 | 8-3 | 5-4-1 | 7-3-1 | 8-3 | 9-1 | 9-3 | 9-3 | 9-2-1 | 9-3 | 5-5-1 | 4-7 | 6-4-1 | 8-4 | 8-4 | 7-5 | |
| Postseason | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | L bowl | W bowl | L bowl | L bowl | — | — | — | L bowl | L bowl | W bowl | |
| Recruiting rank | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | |
| Style — pass rate | |||||||||||||||||||
| Pass rate | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | |
| Outcome — opponent-adjusted efficiency percentile | |||||||||||||||||||
| Offense | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | |
| Defense | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | |
| Tendencies — play-by-play, neutral script | |||||||||||||||||||
| 1st-down pass% | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | |
| Red-zone pass% | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | |
| 4th-down go%opp. territory | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | |
5th-best LSU tenure of 13 by the numbers.
Followed Gaynell Tinsley (1948–1954) · succeeded by Charles McClendon (1962–1979).
12th-best LSU tenure of 13 by the numbers.
Followed Bernie Moore (1936–1947) · succeeded by Paul Dietzel (1955–1961).
7th-best LSU tenure of 13 by the numbers.
Succeeded by Gaynell Tinsley (1948–1954).