LSU TIGERS WELCOME BACK TYRANN MATHIEU AS DEFENSIVE BACKS COACH – “HONEY BADGER” SIGNS ANNUAL CONTRACT OF…..READ MORE….
In a move that has electrified LSU Tigers fans across the nation, Tyrann “Honey Badger” Mathieu, one of the most iconic and beloved players in LSU history, has been hired as the Defensive Backs Coach. Mathieu, known for his electrifying performances as a player and his larger-than-life personality, returns to Baton Rouge on a $2 million annual contract, reinforcing the program’s commitment to excellence and restoring its reputation as a defensive powerhouse.
The announcement, made during an emotional press conference at the LSU Football Operations Center, marked the end of a yearlong search for a new defensive backs coach. The hiring of Mathieu, who was part of LSU’s unforgettable 2011 national championship run, is seen as a victory for the university and its passionate fan base.
“I’m humbled and excited to return to LSU,” Mathieu said, his voice choked with emotion. “This place gave me everything. The fans, my teammates, the coaches—this is home. It’s an honor to help the next generation of LSU defensive backs achieve greatness and bring the same passion and intensity that made us champions.”
Mathieu, who played for LSU from 2010 to 2011, is widely regarded as one of the most dynamic and game-changing players in college football history. As a defensive back, his ability to intercept passes, force turnovers, and make plays in clutch situations earned him the Bronko Nagurski Trophy as the nation’s best defensive player in 2011. His nickname, “Honey Badger,” became synonymous with his fearless and relentless style of play. During his time at LSU, Mathieu helped lead the Tigers to a BCS National Championship Game appearance and was a consensus All-American.
“I’ve never seen a player like Tyrann Mathieu,” said Head Coach Brian Kelly. “His tenacity, football IQ, and passion are unparalleled. We’re thrilled to welcome him back to LSU, where he will work closely with our talented defensive backs and help shape them into the next generation of playmakers.”
After leaving LSU, Mathieu went on to achieve tremendous success in the NFL, where he became a six-time Pro Bowler and a key player for the Kansas City Chiefs, with whom he won Super Bowl LIV. Known for his leadership both on and off the field, Mathieu became one of the most respected safeties in the NFL. His career accolades and his reputation as a game-changing player have cemented his status as one of the most beloved figures in LSU football history.
“Coaching was always something I wanted to do,” Mathieu said. “I’ve learned so much from the great coaches I’ve had in my career, and now I want to give back to the players at LSU. It’s about helping them develop their skills, but more importantly, teaching them how to be leaders and make plays when it counts.”
As the Defensive Backs Coach, Mathieu will be responsible for mentoring LSU’s talented group of defensive backs, helping them develop their skills, improve their technique, and take their game to the next level. His experience in the NFL, coupled with his unique playmaking ability and leadership qualities, make him an ideal fit for this role. Mathieu will also play a key role in recruiting, using his celebrity status and personal success to attract top talent to Baton Rouge.
The $2 million annual contract solidifies the importance of the position and reflects the immense value LSU places on Mathieu’s contributions to the program. The financial commitment to Mathieu is seen as part of a broader strategy by LSU to continue building its defensive legacy under Head Coach Brian Kelly.
“Having someone like Tyrann Mathieu back at LSU is monumental,” said Athletic Director Scott Woodward. “He is a living legend, and his presence here will undoubtedly elevate our program. He’s not just a coach—he’s a mentor and a role model for our players. His passion for LSU is unmatched.”
The announcement was met with overwhelming excitement from LSU fans, who have long considered Mathieu one of the program’s all-time greats. Social media exploded with support as hashtags like #HoneyBadgerReturns, #LSUDefenseIsBack, and #TyrannMathieuLegacy began trending across platforms. Fans flooded Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook with messages of gratitude and excitement.
“I can’t even put into words how much this means,” tweeted LSU superfan Linda Jenkins. “Tyrann Mathieu was my favorite player growing up. To see him return to LSU in this role is just a dream come true.”
Current LSU players are equally thrilled about Mathieu’s return. Sophomore safety Jay Ward commented on Twitter, “It’s amazing to have a player like Tyrann Mathieu coaching us. He’s done it all, and now he’s going to help us take our game to the next level.”
Mathieu’s coaching philosophy centers on a few key principles: hard work, relentless effort, and playing with a chip on your shoulder. His leadership style is deeply rooted in his experiences as a player, and he is known for instilling confidence in his players while holding them accountable for their actions on and off the field.
“We’re going to make plays, but we’re also going to have fun doing it,” Mathieu said. “When you enjoy the game, the results come naturally. I want to teach our defensive backs to have a sense of pride in who they are and what they represent.”
With Mathieu back in Baton Rouge, LSU’s defensive backs are sure to benefit from his wealth of knowledge, experience, and passion. The Tigers are looking to reclaim their status as one of the top defensive units in the SEC, and Mathieu’s return is a key step in achieving that goal.
As the 2025 season approaches, LSU fans are eager to see the “Honey Badger” back on the sidelines, ready to mentor the next generation of Tigers and bring the same energy and excellence that made him a fan favorite and a college football legend.
