The Zeitgeist List · coaching

LSU: a football coaching history

Blue Blood#10 of 138–
See LSU’s full 91-year Zeitgeist History →
← all coaches
Program GOAT
Les Miles
0 Dynasty · 12 Blue-Blood seasons
Built by
Paul Dietzel
Power Program III → Blue Blood (+19.9)
The fall
Charles McClendon
Blue Blood → Power Program II (−13.3)
Right now
Lane Kiffin
in year 1 — too new to place in LSU's history

Stature & 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.

program stature (★ = Dynasty-tier season)MooreTinsleyDietzelMcClendonDiNardoSabanMilesOrgeron19401960198020002020

Every coach

2026–now
Lane Kiffinshort tenure
0–0
2025–2025
Frank Wilsonshort tenure
2–3
2022–now
Brian Kellyinheritor
Brian Kelly inherited a Blue Blood LSU and won with it.
Blue Blood
34–14
2021–2021
Brad Davisshort tenure
0–1
2016–2021
Ed Orgeronsustainer
Ed Orgeron kept LSU a national power for 6 seasons.
Blue Blood
51–20
2005–2016
Les Milessustainer
Les Miles kept LSU a national power for 12 seasons.
+10.3
114–34
2000–2004
Nick Sabanbuilder
Nick Saban raised LSU from Power Program III to Blue Blood.
+13.8
48–16
1995–1999
Gerry DiNardocaretaker
Gerry DiNardo moved LSU from National Program I to Power Program III in 5 seasons.
+8.1
33–24
1991–1994
Curley Hallmancaretaker
Curley Hallman slid LSU from Power Program II to Power Program III in 4 seasons.
−12.8
16–28
1987–1990
Mike Archercaretaker
Mike Archer moved LSU from Power Program II to Power Program I in 4 seasons.
Power Program I
27–18
1984–1986
Bill Arnspargercaretaker
Bill Arnsparger moved LSU from Power Program III to Power Program II in 3 seasons.
Power Program II
26–8
1980–1983
Jerry Stovallcaretaker
Jerry Stovall held LSU at Power Program II for 4 seasons.
Power Program II
22–21
1962–1979
Charles McClendonsustainer
Charles McClendon kept LSU a national power for 6 seasons.
−13.3
135–61
1955–1961
Paul Dietzelbuilder
Paul Dietzel raised LSU from Power Program III to Blue Blood.
+19.9
46–24
1948–1954
Gaynell Tinsleycaretaker
Gaynell Tinsley slid LSU from Power Program II to Power Program III in 7 seasons.
Power Program III
35–34
1936–1947
Bernie Moorecaretaker
Bernie Moore held LSU at Power Program I for 12 seasons.
Power Program I
74–37