The LSU Tigers announced their newest addition to Brian Kelly’s initial staff for the 2022 season. Matt House will leave the Chiefs following the season to take over as the new defensive coordinator.
One current Kansas City Chief and former LSU Tiger had nothing but positive things to say about new defensive coordinator Matt House.
I’m excited for coach House and all of tiger nation! This man loves football & teaching! One of the best I’ve been around. This tiger defense will be well coached from day one! Let’s all buy in!!! FOREVER LSU! – Tyrann Mathieu on Twitter
In 2016 as a member of the Kentucky Wildcats defensive staff, the defense allowed 30.8 points per game and 436.8 yards of total offense. The next season he was promoted to coordinator of the Wildcats defense. They saw improvement under his watch.
The team lowered their points per game to 28.2 and 426.9 total yards per game. Not a huge change but improvement isn’t always instantaneous. In 2018 Kentucky won 10 games and saw drastic improvement. House’s defense allowed just 16.8 points and 333.2 yards per game.
His best player on that side of the ball, Josh Allen finished with 17 sacks, 21.5 TFLs, four passes defended, two forced fumbles, and five fumble recoveries. Following that season he joined the Kansas City Chiefs staff as the linebackers coach.
House will come with energy and high expectations. Three of his former players spoke to our colleagues about him prior to joining the Kansas City staff.
“They can expect a lot of energy,” cornerback Lonnie Johnson said to Chiefs Wire. “Expect him to probably punch through a board if the linebackers are not playing well. He’s going to come with a different type of savviness to him.”
“He’s just a strong-minded coach,” said safety Mike Edwards. “He’s a players’ coach. I love him to death; he’s one of the best coaches I’ve had in my career. He’s going to be hands-on, and he gets familiar with his players.”
“He’s going to hold you accountable for everything,” said safety Darius West. “He’ll correct you no matter what. He’s not passive, he’ll get after you and let you know what you have to do to be successful.”
Given how his players talked about House, it appears that the LSU Tigers are getting a good coach. It will be interesting to watch it all unfold as they head into the spring.