The LSU Tigers’ football program has long been known for its rich history, elite recruiting, and its ability to develop some of the best talents in college football. Under head coach Brian Kelly, LSU has continued that tradition, building a powerful offense capable of competing with the best in the SEC. However, as the Tigers look ahead to a new season, they’ve experienced a significant loss on the offensive side of the ball. A key offensive assistant has left Baton Rouge to accept an offensive coordinator role with an American Athletic Conference (AAC) team.
This move comes at a pivotal time for LSU as the program is aiming to solidify its identity under Kelly and continue building on the success of the previous seasons. The departure of this assistant could leave a gap in the offensive strategy that the Tigers will need to address in the coming months.
In this blog post, we’ll explore the significance of this coaching change, what it means for LSU football moving forward, and how this shift could impact the program’s offensive direction as they look to defend their reputation as one of the nation’s premier college football teams.
### **The Departure: A Key Offensive Assistant Leaves LSU**
The assistant coach in question is **Jamar Cain**, who served as LSU’s outside linebackers coach and passing game coordinator under Brian Kelly. While Cain’s role was primarily focused on defense, his contributions to the offense—specifically in game planning, creating passing game strategies, and breaking down film—made him a vital member of Kelly’s staff. Cain has now accepted the role of offensive coordinator at the University of Memphis, a school that is part of the AAC.
Cain’s move is a significant one, as he was integral in helping shape the offensive identity of the Tigers in recent years. His ability to work with quarterbacks, wide receivers, and the rest of the passing game was one of the factors that helped elevate LSU’s offensive efficiency in 2023. Losing someone with Cain’s experience and knowledge of the program could affect LSU’s ability to maintain its offensive balance in the short term.
### **Jamar Cain’s Impact at LSU**
Jamar Cain’s journey to LSU is notable in itself. Before joining the Tigers’ coaching staff, Cain had stints with several successful programs. He was previously with the Arizona State Sun Devils, where he helped guide the offense to a more potent, dynamic approach. His experience in various offensive systems, combined with his natural ability to mentor players, quickly made him an asset to Brian Kelly when he took over at LSU.
One of Cain’s greatest strengths was his work with the Tigers’ quarterbacks, particularly in developing a deep passing game. With his background in offensive strategy and coaching, he played an essential role in getting the most out of quarterbacks like **Jayden Daniels**, who went on to have a breakout year. Cain’s contributions allowed LSU to not only succeed on the ground but also take advantage of their passing opportunities in crucial moments.
As passing game coordinator, Cain was also key in designing routes, understanding opposing defenses, and putting his players in positions to succeed. His collaboration with other offensive assistants in formulating game plans made the LSU offense more dynamic, blending a potent passing attack with a powerful running game.
Cain’s understanding of the balance between the two—both the air and the ground game—was crucial to LSU’s offensive success. This was evidenced in LSU’s high-scoring, fast-paced offense in 2023, which helped keep defenses guessing. Cain’s departure, therefore, represents a significant loss for the team in terms of offensive versatility and creativity.
### **What the Loss Means for LSU’s Offensive Scheme**
With Cain’s departure, LSU now faces the challenge of replacing an experienced and highly valued assistant who brought both game planning and player development to the table. The Tigers’ offense will have to adjust as they look to replace Cain’s expertise and leadership in a position that directly impacts the flow and execution of the team’s overall offensive scheme.
While Brian Kelly is known for his experience and adaptability, the offensive coordinator role is no small responsibility. LSU’s passing attack, which had evolved significantly in recent years, may experience a period of adjustment as a new coach steps into the role Cain vacated. The Tigers will likely turn to a current member of their coaching staff to fill the void, but whoever takes over will have a significant task ahead of them—one that requires both a deep understanding of the offensive system and the ability to maintain the momentum Cain helped build.
Another factor to consider is LSU’s relationship with recruiting. Cain was instrumental in building relationships with key recruits, especially those on the offensive side of the ball. With his departure, there may be some concern about how this affects LSU’s ability to retain offensive talent, particularly in a highly competitive recruiting environment like the SEC.
### **The AAC Offensive Coordinator Role: A Stepping Stone for Jamar Cain**
Jamar Cain’s decision to leave LSU for the offensive coordinator job at Memphis is an intriguing one. Memphis has long been a competitive program in the AAC, but it has struggled to compete consistently with the top teams in the conference. However, taking on an offensive coordinator role is a natural progression in Cain’s career, one that will allow him to further showcase his abilities and potentially make a name for himself in the college football world.
It’s important to recognize that Memphis is an excellent opportunity for Cain to shape an offense of his own, without the oversight and pressure that comes with being a part of a powerhouse program like LSU. He will now have the chance to build his own identity as a playcaller and offensive strategist, something that would have been difficult to achieve while working under Kelly’s staff.
Cain’s move to Memphis also reflects the growing trend of assistant coaches using their time at major programs as stepping stones to larger roles. For Cain, his success at LSU undoubtedly played a role in attracting Memphis’s attention, and the Tigers’ loss could be the Tigers’ (Memphis) gain.
### **What’s Next for LSU’s Offensive Staff?**
With Cain’s departure, Brian Kelly and his staff are already in the process of figuring out how to move forward and maintain the offensive momentum that LSU has gained over the past few seasons. Although the loss is significant, LSU is still in a strong position. The team is loaded with talent, particularly in skill positions, and Kelly has surrounded himself with a staff of experienced assistants who understand the intricacies of college football at the highest level.
The next move will likely involve promoting from within or hiring an experienced coach who can take over Cain’s duties. LSU’s offensive line coach **Brad Davis** could be a natural fit for the role, given his experience in both run-blocking and passing schemes. Alternatively, LSU may look to add a fresh face from another program with a proven track record in developing high-powered offenses.
Regardless of the direction they go, LSU’s focus will be on maintaining consistency and adapting quickly to any changes. With a full offseason to recalibrate, the team will have time to solidify its offensive strategy before the 2024 season kicks off.
### **Conclusion**
Losing a key offensive assistant like Jamar Cain is undoubtedly a blow to LSU’s football program. His contributions to the offense, particularly in terms of passing game development and overall game strategy, were critical to LSU’s success in recent years. However, LSU is no stranger to overcoming adversity, and Brian Kelly will likely ensure that the offensive identity remains intact, even as they adjust to this coaching change.
Cain’s departure to Memphis is a significant step in his career, and LSU fans should wish him well as he embarks on this new journey. As for the Tigers, the focus will shift to finding the right person to take over Cain’s duties and keep the offense firing on all cylinders. The road ahead won’t be without challenges, but LSU is well-positioned to continue its competitive ways in the SEC. As the Tigers look ahead to the 2024 season, they will undoubtedly make the necessary adjustments to stay among the nation’s elite programs.
