Former LSU Tigers Linebacker Greg Penn Returns to Sidelines in Mysterious New Analyst Role—What Could This Mean for the Team?

You ever meet a player who seems like they’re already coaching from the sidelines, even while suiting up? That was Greg Penn during his days as an LSU Tigers linebacker—a brainy guy on the field who saw the game through a lens most miss. Now, he’s taking that deep understanding off the turf and into the film room, stepping into a role as a defensive analyst under Lane Kiffin’s staff. Not a flashy superstar, no trophy cases bursting—but a solid, reliable player with instincts sharp enough to skip a shot at the NFL and jump straight into coaching. After four years collecting tackles, sacks, and hard-earned respect, Penn’s about to learn the ropes alongside top-notch linebacker coach Blake Baker. It’s a natural next chapter for a guy who’s always been more about the X’s and O’s than just the stats. Meanwhile, his spot opens up following Jermauria Rasco’s move to Mississippi State, keeping the LSU staff firmly grounded in former Tiger talent ready to mentor the next wave. It’s the kind of transition that feels less like a change and more like a continuation of dynasty. LEARN MORE

Former LSU Tigers linebacker Greg Penn always felt like an extra coach on the field due to his high football IQ. Now, he’s becoming the real thing.

Matt Moscona of LouisianaSports.net broke the news on Monday night that Penn would be joining Lane Kiffin’s Tigers staff as a defensive analyst.

The linebacker spent a full four years on the LSU roster as a player, joining as a four-star recruit from the 2021 class. He was the No. 221 overall recruit in the country, No. 23 linebacker and No. 10 player out of Maryland per the 247Sports rankings.

He wasn’t someone who raked in a ton of accolades throughout his career, but was always a solid player. It’s probably why his career evolved into coaching. He had the instincts, but didn’t test well athletically and never made it to the NFL.

Penn did have 264 tackles across his Tigers career. He had 17.5 go for a loss with 5.5 sacks, two interceptions, three forced fumbles and four passes broken up. There was an argument to be made for him being All-SEC in 2023, but that was a stacked year, and Harold Perkins had all the attention from LSU.

The biggest accomplishment of his playing career was earning the No. 18 over his final season, proving his leadership and the respect he had earned from his teammates/coaches.

He should fit right in and will be able to learn from a fantastic linebackers coach in Blake Baker during his first year on the staff.

It appears that he will be replacing another former Tigers player, as Moscona also reported that Jermauria Rasco will be leaving his defensive analyst role for a defensive line assistant role with the Mississippi State Bulldogs.

Rasco joined LSU’s staff in 2024. He has also coached for the Arizona Wildcats and the Louisiana-Lafayette Ragin’ Cajuns. He played for LSU from 2011 to 2014.