Brian Kelly’s Commitment to Special Teams: LSU Doubling Down on the Importance of Special Teams in 2025

As the LSU Tigers continue to build their football program under head coach Brian Kelly, there’s a renewed focus on every aspect of the game. Special teams, often the overlooked component of a football team, is receiving an increased emphasis, with Kelly’s leadership signaling a change in approach. According to Kelly, LSU is “doubling” the amount of time it devotes to special teams in preparation for the 2025 season. This shift in focus represents more than just a desire to improve in one specific area of the game; it’s a reflection of Kelly’s commitment to a holistic, balanced football program that leaves no stone unturned.

In a sport as fast-paced and dynamic as football, where every possession counts and games are often decided by mere inches or seconds, special teams play a pivotal role. Field position, the ability to execute on punts, kickoffs, and even field goals, as well as the importance of kickoff returns, can swing the momentum of a game. Yet, historically, special teams have been the forgotten unit—often overshadowed by the offensive and defensive lines and the skill positions. But Brian Kelly’s decision to prioritize special teams represents a strategic shift that acknowledges the importance of every phase of the game.

The Importance of Special Teams in College Football

In college football, special teams play an essential but often underappreciated role in the outcome of games. The statistics bear this out—field goals, extra points, punts, and kickoffs can all be the difference between a win and a loss. As such, special teams need to be well-coached, well-executed, and well-prepared. For a team like LSU, which has the talent to compete for SEC championships and College Football Playoff berths, leaving no aspect of the game unaddressed is a critical part of their pursuit of excellence.

Special teams are crucial in several key areas:

1. Field Position: The battle for field position is an ongoing struggle in football, and special teams play a key role in determining where a team starts its offensive drives. A strong punt or kickoff return can set up a short field for the offense, leading to more scoring opportunities. Conversely, poor kick coverage or a missed field goal can significantly hinder a team’s ability to win the field-position battle.
2. Scoring Opportunities: Special teams can be a source of scoring in and of themselves. A well-executed field goal attempt or an explosive return can add points to the board without the offense having to take the field. Additionally, the potential for blocked kicks or punts to turn into touchdowns remains a critical part of a team’s ability to create turnovers and momentum.
3. Turnovers and Big Plays: Special teams have the potential to create turnovers or provide momentum-shifting big plays. A blocked punt, a fumble recovery on a kickoff return, or a turnover on a muffed punt can dramatically alter the course of a game. Given the high stakes in the SEC and college football as a whole, these kinds of plays can be the difference between advancing in the postseason and heading home early.
4. Pressure on Opponents: When a team has a dangerous special teams unit, it puts pressure on their opponents to play flawlessly. Whether it’s a kick returner who can take a punt to the house or a kicker who is nearly automatic from long distances, special teams units that are capable of making plays can shift the dynamic of a game, forcing the opponent to account for these factors on every play.

For LSU to reach the next level in its quest for national championships and SEC dominance, improving special teams is essential. And Brian Kelly’s approach to “doubling” the amount of time spent on special teams is a clear acknowledgment of this reality.

Brian Kelly’s Approach: Doubling Down on Special Teams

Brian Kelly, who joined LSU as head coach in 2022, has already transformed the program in several key ways. His meticulous and disciplined approach to coaching has infused the Tigers with a sense of structure, attention to detail, and the importance of every phase of the game. The decision to devote more time to special teams in 2025 is a direct reflection of Kelly’s belief that every aspect of the team needs to be fine-tuned for the Tigers to contend at the highest level.

Kelly has always been known as a coach who understands the value of special teams. Throughout his career, from his time at Central Michigan, Notre Dame, and now LSU, Kelly has placed a high priority on the third phase of the game. But his recent statement that LSU is “doubling” its focus on special teams indicates that the Tigers are preparing for a new level of intensity and dedication in this critical area.

There are several reasons why Kelly is taking this approach. Firstly, LSU’s explosive offense and dominant defense have long been the hallmarks of the program, but in the SEC, the margin for error is thin. In a conference known for its physicality and high-level competition, a few missed field goals, poor kick coverage, or a lack of explosiveness on returns can cost a team a game. To truly compete for SEC and national championships, Kelly knows that every phase of the game must be an asset, and special teams can’t be neglected.

Moreover, Kelly is known for his attention to detail and preparation. Special teams are often a reflection of a team’s ability to execute under pressure and in crucial moments. Kelly understands that even in high-stakes situations, such as a game-winning field goal or a game-changing punt return, the best teams rely on their special teams to come through. This mindset has led him to invest more time and energy into the unit, preparing his players to handle the pressure and deliver when called upon.

Kelly’s decision also acknowledges the growing importance of special teams in the ever-evolving landscape of college football. With the increasing emphasis on analytics and advanced statistics, coaches are looking for every edge they can find, and special teams are no exception. Successful teams understand that the most well-rounded rosters are those that are strong not only on offense and defense but also on special teams. By dedicating more time to this area, Kelly is ensuring that LSU remains ahead of the curve, prepared for the challenges that lie ahead.

The Focus Areas of Special Teams Improvement

While Kelly’s statement about “doubling” the time spent on special teams is broad, it likely involves several specific focus areas that will significantly improve LSU’s performance in this phase of the game.

1. Kicking Game: The Tigers have consistently had strong kickers in recent years, but Kelly’s commitment to special teams will likely involve refining the kicking game even further. Field goal accuracy, especially from long distances, is crucial in tight games. Kelly is likely investing time in ensuring that LSU’s kickers have the mechanics, consistency, and mental toughness to convert in high-pressure situations. Additionally, punting will be a key focus, as controlling field position and flipping the field with well-placed punts will be critical in close contests.
2. Kickoff and Punt Coverage: Kickoff and punt coverage teams are often the unsung heroes of special teams. The ability to cover kicks effectively, preventing long returns, and ensuring that opposing teams start their drives deep in their own territory can dramatically shift the momentum of a game. Kelly is likely placing an emphasis on this area to ensure that LSU’s coverage units are disciplined, fast, and effective at limiting return yardage.
3. Return Game: LSU has the talent to be dangerous on kick and punt returns, but maximizing this talent requires fine-tuning the return game. Whether it’s breaking through blockers, reading the coverage, or making the right cut, Kelly’s increased focus on special teams could involve implementing more complex return schemes that take advantage of LSU’s speed and playmaking ability. Having a dangerous return game not only provides potential scoring opportunities but also creates favorable field positions for the offense.
4. Blocking: A critical component of both the return game and kick coverage is effective blocking. For LSU to maximize its special teams, Kelly is likely emphasizing the importance of precise blocking schemes on both punts and kicks. Effective blocking can be the difference between a modest return and a game-changing one. The Tigers’ special teams will need to excel in this area to take full advantage of their athleticism and playmaking potential.
5. Consistency and Execution Under Pressure: At the heart of Kelly’s decision to double down on special teams is the need for consistency and execution in high-pressure situations. The ability to perform well on special teams during crunch time—whether it’s kicking a last-minute field goal or securing a key punt return—will be a significant factor in LSU’s success. Kelly will undoubtedly be putting his players through intense drills that simulate these high-stress moments, ensuring that they can execute flawlessly when the pressure is on.

The Benefits of a Strong Special Teams Unit

Doubling down on special teams offers a range of benefits for LSU. Beyond just improving one aspect of the game, this approach will elevate the entire team. Here’s how:

1. Enhanced Field Position: Improved special teams will directly impact LSU’s field position, allowing the offense to start with better starting field position and making it harder for the opposing offense to gain yards. This can lead to more scoring opportunities for the Tigers and a stronger defense against their opponents.
2. Increased Scoring Threats: A potent special teams unit doesn’t just help in terms of field position—it can also provide scoring opportunities on its own. Whether it’s through a successful field goal, a big return, or a blocked kick, a well-executed special teams unit can add points to the scoreboard without the offense having to do anything.
3. Momentum Shifting Plays: Special teams have the unique ability to change the momentum of a game. A big return or a clutch field goal can get the crowd fired up and rally the team. A momentum swing can be invaluable, especially in a high-stakes SEC matchup where every advantage counts.

Brian Kelly’s Vision for LSU’s Special Teams

Brian Kelly’s decision to double the amount of time LSU devotes to special teams is a clear statement of his commitment to building a complete, championship-caliber program. As the Tigers continue to focus on every aspect of the game, special teams will no longer be a forgotten afterthought. With Kelly’s leadership, LSU is poised to have one of the most well-rounded and dangerous teams in college football. By investing in this crucial phase of the game, Kelly is ensuring that the Tigers are ready to compete at the highest level, in all three phases of football.