Brian Kelly’s tenure as head coach at Louisiana State University (LSU) came to an abrupt end following a disappointing season that culminated in a significant home loss to Texas A&M. After three years in Baton Rouge, Kelly failed to secure a spot in the College Football Playoff (CFP) and was relieved of his duties after the Tigers finished the 2024 season with a 5-3 record. This decision marks a sharp decline for a coach who was once celebrated for his success at Notre Dame.
Kelly was appointed in late 2021 with the clear aim of winning a national championship, a feat achieved by his three predecessors—Ed Orgeron, Les Miles, and Nick Saban—by the end of their fourth seasons. His impressive history, including being the winningest coach in Notre Dame history and a two-time AP National Coach of the Year, set high expectations. Initially, he appeared to deliver, leading LSU to an SEC West Division title and winning ten games in each of his first two years.
However, the anticipated success did not materialize, as Kelly’s teams did not qualify for the CFP in any of his first three seasons. The tipping point came after a devastating 49-25 loss to Texas A&M, which saw the stands at Tiger Stadium empty by the fourth quarter. Following this defeat, a series of meetings led to Kelly’s ouster, marking a sudden end to his ambitions at LSU.
Key Factors Behind Kelly’s Departure
Multiple elements contributed to the struggles that ultimately led to Kelly’s exit. One notable aspect was his approach as a coach. Colleagues described him as a CEO-style head coach, focused on hiring strong staff and maintaining a distance from day-to-day operations. While this method can yield results at many programs, it proved insufficient in the competitive Southeastern Conference (SEC), where hands-on engagement and relentless recruiting are essential.
Kelly’s inability to effectively manage his coaching staff was another critical issue. After losing offensive coordinator Mike Denbrock to Notre Dame, Kelly struggled to find the right mix of coordinators. Although LSU’s offence had impressive moments, leading the SEC in scoring with an average of 45.5 points per game in 2023, the defence faltered significantly. The Tigers ranked near the bottom of the conference in both scoring and run defence, ultimately leading to the dismissal of defensive coordinator Matt House and several assistants.
An attempt to revamp the coaching staff by promoting quarterbacks coach Joe Sloan to co-offensive coordinator proved detrimental. The Tigers’ rushing attack plummeted to last in the SEC, averaging only 106.3 rushing yards in 2024, a disappointing performance that led to Sloan’s termination shortly after the season ended.
Cultural Disconnect and High Expectations
Kelly’s fit within the LSU culture also came into question. Despite his successful coaching pedigree, he struggled to connect with the passionate local fanbase. His initial introduction to fans, marked by an awkward speech at a basketball game, set a tone that lingered throughout his time at LSU. In an effort to improve his public image, Kelly even enlisted a Washington D.C.-based consultant, but attempts to assimilate into the Southern culture fell flat.
The high expectations placed on Kelly following a significant investment in the transfer portal further complicated matters. LSU had aimed to build a championship-caliber roster, reportedly assembling the top transfer portal class in college football. Despite signing 11 new starters, the team’s performance did not match the hype, resulting in frustration among fans and stakeholders. The pressure to deliver results intensified, particularly after securing an $18 million football roster, prompting swift backlash when the team failed to compete at the expected level.
As discussions surrounding Kelly’s future progressed, the atmosphere around the program became increasingly tense. Influential figures, including Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry, expressed dissatisfaction with the team’s performance, further complicating Kelly’s position. The culmination of these factors led to the decision to part ways with the coach, marking a significant shift for the LSU football program.
In the wake of Kelly’s departure, LSU will now look for a new head coach capable of navigating the challenges of the SEC and revitalizing the program. Potential candidates may include coaches like Lane Kiffin, who has demonstrated success at Ole Miss, and will be scrutinized closely as the Tigers seek to regain their championship stature. The search for a new leader comes at a crucial time, with LSU aiming to re-establish itself among college football’s elite.
