The Zeitgeist List · coaching
LSU: a coaching history
See LSU’s full 91-year Zeitgeist History →← all coaches
Program GOAT
Les Miles
0 Dynasty · 12 Blue-Blood seasons
Built by
Paul Dietzel
Power Program III → Blue Blood (+19.9)
The fall
Charles McClendon
Blue Blood → Power Program II (−13.3)
Right now
Brian Kelly
the 4th-best of LSU's 13 coaches so far
Brian Kelly is the 4th-best of LSU's 13 coaches so far.
Stature & coaches, 1936–2026
The program’s standing over time, with every coach’s tenure beneath it — read down to see who was there for each rise and fall.
Every coach
2022–now
Brian Kellyinheritor
Blue Blood
29–11
2016–2021
Ed Orgeronsustainer
Blue Blood
51–20
2005–2016
Les Milessustainer
+10.3
114–34
2000–2004
Nick Sabanbuilder
+13.8
48–16
1995–1999
Gerry DiNardocaretaker
+8.1
33–24
1991–1994
Curley Hallmancaretaker
−12.8
16–28
1987–1990
Mike Archercaretaker
Power Program I
27–18
1984–1986
Bill Arnspargercaretaker
Power Program II
26–8
1980–1983
Jerry Stovallcaretaker
Power Program II
22–21
1962–1979
Charles McClendonsustainer
−13.3
135–61
1955–1961
Paul Dietzelbuilder
+19.9
46–24
1948–1954
Gaynell Tinsleycaretaker
Power Program III
35–34
1936–1947
Bernie Moorecaretaker
Power Program I
74–37