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Unveiling the Untold Stories Behind LSU’s Legendary Coaches Since 1955

Unveiling the Untold Stories Behind LSU's Legendary Coaches Since 1955

Navigating the ever-challenging landscape of college football coaching at the FBS level, especially within the SEC, is no small feat. LSU’s current head coach, Brian Kelly, finds himself under intense scrutiny after a tough 49-25 defeat by an undefeated Texas A&M squad. With the Tigers holding a 5-3 record overall and struggling at 2-3 within the conference, expectations have clearly shifted since Kelly’s arrival from Notre Dame. His tenure now joins a lengthy lineage of LSU head coaches since 1955—some celebrated, others lesser remembered—each leaving their distinct mark on the program’s storied history. Curious about the full roster of those who’ve donned the mantle at Baton Rouge? LEARN MORE.

LSU football: Who has been head coach since 1955?

LSU head coach Brian Kelly.

Coaching college football at the FBS level isn’t easy. It gets more difficult if you are at one of the SEC schools. Brian Kelly of LSU understands that now better than ever. His Tigers are 5-3 overall and 2-3 in conference after being shellacked by undefeated Texas A&M, 49-25, on Saturday. The Aggies scored 35 straight points in the second half after trailing by four at the break. LSU, which scored a late touchdown after the result was no longer in doubt, had high expectations when Kelly came on board from Notre Dame. It seems now he could be another in a line of Tiger coaches to come and go since 1955.

Paul Dietzel, 1955-61

Athletic Director Ray Tanner shakes hands with Hall of Fame inductee Paul Dietzel.

Record: 46-24-3

Charlie McClendon, 1962-79

Golf great Lee Trevino, center, flips a coin to decide which team will do what in the Sun Bowl between Louisiana State University and Iowa State University. From left, Frank Redman, ISU coach Johnny Majors, and LSU coach Charlie McClendon.

Record: 137-59-7

Bo Rein, 1980

Nov 13, 2021; Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA; A general overall view of the LSU Tigers logo at midfield at Tiger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Bo Rein lost his life in a place accident before coaching a game in Baton Rouge.

Jerry Stovall, 1980-83

LSU Tigers former player and former head coach Jerry Stovall was honored on the field.

Record: 22-21-2

Bill Arnsparger, 1984-86

Detailed view of the LSU Tigers helmet.

Record: 26-8-2

Mike Archer, 1987-90

LSU Tigers head coach Mike Archer confronts officials at the 1989 Hall of Fame Bowl.

Record: 27-18-1

Curley Hallman, 1991-94

LSU Fighting Tigers head coach Curley Hallman shakes hands with Alabama Crimson Tide head coach Gene Stallings.

Record: 16-28

Gerry DiNardo, 1995-99

LSU Fighting Tigers head coach Gerry DiNardo.

Record: 32-24-1

Hal Hunter, 1999 (interim)

LSU Tigers mascot Mike the Tiger.

Record: 1-0

Nick Saban, 2000-04

Nick Saban lifts the BCS National Championship Trophy after the Tigers' 21-14 victory over Oklahoma in the Nokia Sugar Bowl.

Record: 48-16

Les Miles, 2005-16

Louisiana State coach Les Miles meets with Iowa coach Kirk Ferentz.

Record: 114-34

Ed Oregeron, 2016-21

LSU Tigers former head coach Ed Orgeron.

Record: 51-20

Brad Davis, 2021 (interim)

Brad Davis, LSU offensive line coach.

Record: 1-0

Brian Kelly, 2022-present

LSU Tigers head coach Brian Kelly looks on against the South Carolina Gamecocks.

Record: 34-14 (Still active)

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