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LSU great Jacob Hester shares what he hopes to see in Tigers’ next head coach

Published: Oct 27, 2025 · 10:37 AM EDT

Following the dismissal of head coach Brian Kelly, former LSU running back Jacob Hester shared what he hopes to see in the next head coach of the Tigers.

Hester believes the next coach needs to bring an identity that’s “mean, nasty and tough.”

Here’s his assessment:

Outside of my family, there’s nothing I love more than LSU. Every opportunity I’ve had in life is b/c of LSU. The next coach needs to share that same passion. Our DNA was always mean, nasty, and tough. When you played the Tigers, you felt it — it was non-negotiable. #ForeverLSU
— Jacob Hester (@JacobHester18) October 27, 2025

Hester was a running back for the Tigers from 2004 to 2007. He spent all 4 seasons of his college career with the Tigers, and he won the 2008 BCS National Championship as a member of the Tigers. In that season, he rushed for over 1,100 yards and 12 touchdowns.

LSU is currently 5-3 on the season and 2-3 in SEC play. While they’re on a bye this upcoming weekend, the following weekend it doesn’t get any easier for the Tigers as they travel to Tuscaloosa to take on No. 4 Alabama.

It will be hard for the Tigers to completely flip their season around, but a strong end to the 2025 season can set the Tigers up for a bounce-back year in 2026.

Luke Greco