LSU HC Lane Kiffin just convinced a coach to spurn an NFL team and return to the Tigers for next season

Lane Kiffin is keeping a great influence in the building for the Tigers.

Adam Holt — NFL News Writer
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Dec 1, 2025; Baton Rouge, LA, USA; LSU new head coach Lane Kiffin speaks at South Stadium Club at Tiger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Hinton-Imagn Images

The LSU Tigers got a dose of good news along their coaching staff for the gridiron early this week. Lane Kiffin’s staff has taken shape, and one important piece of it is staying in place.

Kiffin just got a win before his team ever plays a snap in purple and gold.

Jake Olsen chooses to remain at LSU over leaving for Commanders job

According to Matt Zenitz, LSU safeties coach Jake Olsen won’t be leaving LSU as was previously pointed to in reports. He was expected to leave to take a job with the Washington Commanders, but instead, he is going to remain with the Tigers staff under head coach Lane Kiffin.

Olsen is a well-respected young assistant in the SEC. He’s played a role in development of some key defensive pieces in recent seasons and created a strong bond locally with the Tigers. He was expected to become a defensive assistant, rather than a position coach in Washington, but he’s decided not to pursue that opportunity.

“Olsen has helped develop some big names in college, such as LSU LB Damone Clark and Missouri LB Ty’Ron Hopper, who was a two-time All-SEC LB under Olsen. In 2025, Olsen helped LSU safety A.J. Haulcy earn All-SEC honors, and he would be the perfect draft prospect for the Commanders.”
— Josh Taylor, A to Z Sports

Via Zenitz, Kiffin pushed to keep Olsen in the building.

He understood the value of his voice for the Tigers defensive unit and wanted to keep an impactful hand to preserve some continuity for the returning talent on LSU’s roster.

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