Kelly discusses the additions to his staff, as the Tigers replenish their defensive roster for the future.
LSU has expanded its defensive coaching staff with the return of Corey Raymond and the additions of Kevin Peoples and Jake Olsen, head coach Brian Kelly announced on Thursday.
Raymond returns to the Tigers after two seasons at Florida, while Peoples and Olsen join LSU after two years at Missouri. Raymond will be the secondary coach, Peoples will coach the edge rushers, and Olsen will be in charge of the safeties.
All three coaches have strong ties to Louisiana, with Raymond coaching at LSU for 13 years, Peoples at Tulane and Northwestern State, and Olsen at Louisiana-Monroe, Nicholls State, and Northwestern.
Raymond formerly coached at LSU from 2012 to 2021, where he coached seven first-team All-Americans and four first-round NFL draft choices. He also had five players picked in the NFL Draft’s second round, and he coached Grant Delpit, the 2019 Jim Thorpe Award winner.
Raymond was a former standout defensive back for the Tigers who went on to play six seasons in the NFL.
“Corey’s passion for LSU and the desire for our program to have the best defensive back unit in the country really stood out,” Kelly said in a statement. “Corey’s extensive knowledge and experience, combined with his successful recruiting efforts, make him an excellent complement to a strong defensive staff.
Kevin Peoples, a 30-year coaching veteran, has spent the last two seasons at Missouri under LSU defensive coordinator Blake Baker. Peoples lead Mizzou to an 11-win season and a final ranking of No. 9 in 2023. Missouri finished the 2023 season with a 14-3 victory over Ohio State in the Cotton Bowl, holding the Buckeyes scoreless for the first time since 2016.
Peoples’ defensive line has produced a first-team All-SEC selection in each of the last two seasons. Missouri also had a defensive end who ranked among the SEC leaders in sacks in 2022 and 2023.
“Kevin develops his players physically, technically, as young men and student-athletes as well any coach in the profession,” he stated. “I’m excited to pair him with Bo Davis on our defensive line giving LSU a pair of elite coaches on our defensive front.”
Olsen, who returned to LSU after working with the Tiger linebackers in 2021, was part of the Missouri coaching staff that helped the Tigers have their best season in a decade in 2023. Olsen coached Missouri’s linebackers. Olsen’s coaching experience includes stops at Nicholls State (2014), Louisiana-Monroe (2015-16), and Northwestern State (2017-20).
“We are thrilled to welcome Jake back to Baton Rouge,” she said. “He’s a youthful and eager coach with an exceptional defensive mind who will provide valuable continuity to our defensive staff. Jake has spent the last three years working with Coach Baker and has excellent knowledge of the state of Louisiana. I have no doubt Jake will bring a strong sense of pride and understanding of what it means to work for LSU.”
Raymond, Peoples, and Olsen’s hire is based on a satisfactory background investigation and approval by the LSU Board of Supervisors.
