The formerly offensive coordinator and offensive line coach at Florida State, has been appointed as LSU’s coach.
He joins the Tigers after nearly five seasons with Florida State, where he played a key role in the Seminoles’ 13-1 record in 2023. As offensive coordinator and offensive line coach, he helped Florida State finish No. 5 in the final CFP rankings and secure a spot in the Orange Bowl.
He originally joined the Seminoles in 2020 as the offensive line coach and was promoted to offensive coordinator in 2022. In his first season leading the offense, Florida State won 10 games and ranked 10th nationally in total offense, averaging 484 yards per game.
“We’re thrilled to have Alex Atkins, join our staff,” Kelly said. “He brings extensive experience as a coordinator, but more importantly, his expertise in the run game as an offensive line coach will provide valuable insight alongside (offensive line coach) Brad (Davis). Brad has done a great job, and adding someone specifically focused on tight ends and the run game enhances our offensive structure.
“Having someone dedicated to that role every day was a critical need for us. His experience in building run games makes this a perfect fit at the right time.”
During his tenure at Florida State, Atkins developed three first-team All-ACC offensive linemen and coached quarterback Jordan Travis, the 2023 ACC Player of the Year.
Before Florida State, Atkins spent 2019 as the offensive coordinator and offensive line coach at Charlotte, where he helped lead the 49ers to their first-ever bowl game. The team won seven games that season and produced just the third NFL Draft pick in program history.
From 2016-18, Atkins served as Tulane’s assistant head coach and offensive line coach, later adding run game coordinator responsibilities. Under his guidance, Tulane’s rushing offense surged from 118th nationally in 2015 to 26th in 2016, averaging 228.1 yards per game. The team continued to improve, ranking 20th in rushing in 2017 (231.5 ypg) and 23rd in 2018 (218.2 ypg), culminating in a seven-win season and a Cure Bowl victory.
Prior to Tulane, Atkins coached the offensive line at Georgia Southern from 2012-14, helping lead the Eagles to consecutive nine-win seasons. In 2014, their first year transitioning to FBS, they went 9-3 and led all Division I programs in rushing with 381.1 yards per game. The following year, Georgia Southern won its first-ever bowl game while again leading the nation in rushing at 363.0 yards per game.
Atkins also coached the offensive line at Chattanooga from 2012-13, helping the Mocs set a program record with six conference wins in his final season. Before that, he had coaching stops at UT-Martin (his alma mater), Marshall, and Itawamba Community College, where he served as offensive line coach and recruiting coordinator.
As a player, Atkins was a four-year starting offensive guard at UT-Martin, twice earning all-conference honors. In his senior season, he helped the Skyhawks win an Ohio Valley Conference title and reach their first FCS playoff appearance, blocking for two 1,000-yard rushers.
A Chicago native, Atkins earned his bachelor’s degree in history from UT-Martin in 2007. He is married to Brittany Mitchell.