Brian Kelly brings former UK defensive coordinator Matt House to LSU

Brian Kelly could not convince Kentucky’s defensive coordinator to leave Lexington to coach LSU’s defense, so he did the next best thing — he hired Kentucky’s last defensive coordinator.

LSU announced Tuesday night that Matt House will leave the Kansas City Chiefs to coach the Tigers’ defense.

“Matt checks every box we’re looking for in a defensive coordinator,” Kelly said. “He’s led elite SEC defenses, recruited and developed all-conference and All-American performers at multiple positions, and garnered ample experience in both the NFL and as a coordinator at multiple collegiate stops.

”He possesses a great understanding on how to defend the type of offenses we will face each week in our conference, and his ability to put players in position to make plays aligns perfectly with the identity that we want to develop with our defense. I’m excited that he’s joining our staff as we work toward building a championship program at LSU.”

House won a Super Bowl during his three-year run with the Chiefs that has not yet concluded. He could add another ring before taking his talents to Baton Rouge.

Prior to joining the pro ranks he served as Kentucky’s defensive coordinator for two seasons, leading the Wildcats’ defense during the historic 2018 ten-win season.

House was not Kelly’s first option. Brad White was reportedly in Baton Rouge ahead of National Signing Day. After weighing his options, he chose to return to Lexington for the 2022 season.

“I am so excited to be here and be Kentucky’s defensive coordinator,” White told reporters last week. “Kentucky’s home, Kentucky’s family. Myself, my wife, my kids we feel one with Big Blue Nation, and to me, that is more than anything. Really want to thank Big Blue Nation for their comments and their outpouring of support that we received over the last week. Really excited just to continue to build with Coach Stoops and be a part of this program and hopefully can be apart for a long time.”

If White took the LSU job, there were whispers that House could potentially return to his previous role at Kentucky. House was also a top candidate to join Tennessee’s coaching staff last fall, but Josh Heupel’s efforts were fruitless. Now back in the SEC, let’s hope House has rehearsed his dance moves before returning to the recruiting trail.

Got my coach! 🐯🐯 @CoachBrianKelly pic.twitter.com/j0nurt5sMa

— Walker Howard (@Walker_Howard4) December 13, 2021