Reports: LSU targeting former Florida State OC to coach tight ends

LSU’s lone full-time coach vacancy could be filled as soon as today.

According to multiple reports, including from Matt Zenitz of 247sports and Wilson Alecxander of The Advocate, former Florida State offensive coordinator Alex Atkins has been targeted by Brian Kelly as his next tight ends coach.

Atkins coordinated Florida State’s offense in 2022, 2023 and 2024.

The Seminoles led the ACC in scoring in 2023 and went unbeaten in the regular season. In 2024, the unit slipped to No. 131 in the country, and Atkins was fired as part of wholesale changes brought on by a 2-10 season.

Atkins played offensive line for Tennessee-Martin from 2003-2006 and was an all-conference selection twice. He immediately started his coaching career at his alma mater. He spent three seasons at Tulane in various roles including offensive line coach and assistant head coach from 2016 to 2018.

After one season at Charlotte as the offensive coordinator, Mike Norvell hired Atkins to be the offensive line coach for Florida State. He ascended to offensive coordinator in 2022.

Slade Nagle, who coached LSU’s tight ends in 2024, moved on to be the offensive coordinator at Houston. Nagle and Atkins worked together at Tulane during Atkins three seasons in New Orleans.