LSU, Brian Kelly add NFL coach as new assistant

The LSU Tigers announced the hiring of Minnesota Vikings special teams assistant Robert Steeples to the Brian Kelly’s inaugural staff on Wednesday.

Steeples won’t join the team until the Vikings wrap up their season but he’ll coach on the defensive side of the ball for Kelly. Minnesota is currently 7-8 overall and in second place in the NFL’s NFC North Division. ESPN FPI gives the Vikings a 17% chance to get into the playoffs.

“Robert is an extremely talented coach who will bring tremendous knowledge, energy, and expertise to our staff,” Kelly said. “He enjoyed a stellar collegiate playing career at both Missouri and Memphis, and his experience impacting young people will go a long way in helping create a culture of success on and off the field at LSU. He’s a great fit for us, and I look forward to working with him as we build a championship program.”

“The opportunity to genuinely impact young student-athletes is something that I look forward to at LSU,” Steeples said. “The first-class people of the LSU community and its tremendous resources provide a unique opportunity to help maximize the potential of our student-athletes. It takes a village to equip them with the character and tools that empower success in their collegiate careers and life thereafter, and I’m hungry to do my part. It’s a responsibility that I do not take lightly, and I am especially excited to carry that calling out within the passionate and authentic culture of LSU.”

Steeples has roots in high school, college, NFL football

A former NFL cornerback, Robert Steeples entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent for the St. Louis Rams in 2013. He spent the preseason with the Rams before signing with the Vikings.

Steeples was a member of the practice squad and appeared on special teams in two games for Minnesota. Steeples also spent time with Kansas City (2014) and Dallas (2014-15).

During his collegiate playing days, Steeples was a standout cornerback for Missouri and Memphis.

He lettered three years at Missouri (2009-11) under Gary Pinkel, helping the Tigers to bowl appearances each season. He played the 2012 season at Memphis, where he recorded 42 tackles.

After his NFL career, Steeples entered the coaching ranks at his alma mater, De Smet High School in Missouri. The Creve Coeur program turned into a powerhouse in just four years. De Smet’s football team went from 2-8 in his first season in 2016 to a state championship in 2019.