LSU Gives Lane Kiffin 'Blank Check' to Build Powerhouse Program

Hiring of Tee Martin as offensive analyst signals Kiffin's full control over roster and staff decisions.

Mar. 22, 2026 at 5:20pm

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According to reports, LSU is giving head coach Lane Kiffin complete autonomy and financial resources to rapidly rebuild the Tigers' football program. The recent hiring of veteran coach Tee Martin as an offensive analyst is seen as the latest example of Kiffin's 'blank check' mandate, as the school appears willing to fund any personnel moves the coach deems necessary.

Why it matters

LSU's willingness to empower Kiffin with such extensive resources and authority is a bold strategy that could pay dividends if he is able to quickly restore the Tigers to national championship contention. However, it also raises questions about the sustainability of such an approach and whether it sets unrealistic expectations for immediate success.

The details

Since taking over as LSU's head coach in December 2025, Kiffin has rapidly reshaped the program, luring away top assistants from rival SEC schools and securing a highly-ranked transfer portal class. The hiring of Martin, a former national championship-winning quarterback who has coached at the high school, college, and NFL levels, is the latest example of Kiffin's ability to bring in elite talent to Baton Rouge. LSU's football staff has now grown to over 70 members, nearly matching the size of the active roster itself.

  • Kiffin was hired as LSU's head coach in December 2025.
  • Martin was hired as an offensive analyst in March 2026.

The players

Lane Kiffin

The head football coach at LSU, known for his aggressive approach to roster-building and staff assembly.

Tee Martin

A former national championship-winning quarterback at Tennessee who has coached at the high school, college, and NFL levels, including a stint as quarterbacks coach for the Baltimore Ravens.

Sam Leavitt

A highly-touted transfer quarterback who joined LSU's roster after playing at Arizona State.

Jordan Seaton

An elite offensive tackle who transferred to LSU to help protect the team's new quarterback.

Blake Baker

The defensive coordinator at LSU, who was retained by Kiffin to help address the team's historical weakness in pass rush.

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What they’re saying

“It has been 20 years, 20 years that Tee Martin has been a coach at the high school, college, and NFL levels. And now, Tee Martin is LSU assistant coach Tee Martin. Adding a guy like this as an offensive analyst is a major coup.”

— Matt Moscona

“My biggest takeaway from adding Tee Martin, and really everything that LSU has done in this offseason, is that nobody is telling Lane Kiffin 'no.' Whatever Lane Kiffin wants, and however much it costs, they are going to give it to him.”

— Matt Moscona

What’s next

LSU will open the 2026 season with a high-profile matchup against Clemson on September 5, followed by a revenge game against Ole Miss on September 19. The Tigers' ability to navigate this challenging early schedule will be crucial in determining their chances of making the College Football Playoff.

The takeaway

LSU's willingness to provide Lane Kiffin with extensive resources and autonomy to rapidly rebuild the program is a bold strategy that could pay off if he is able to quickly restore the Tigers to national championship contention. However, this approach also raises questions about the long-term sustainability of such an approach and whether it sets unrealistic expectations for immediate success.