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After reaching unprecedented heights while coaching the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, Brian Kelly has accepted a new challenge in the Southeastern Conference.
Kelly signed a lucrative 10-year contract with LSU in December 2021. The bold and often brash coach was responsible for bringing the proud football program to another national championship.
A look back at the last three coaches to serve as head coach at LSU – Ed Orgeron, Les Miles and Nick Saban – shows that all three concluded their fourth seasons by hoisting a national championship trophy.
Not only did Kelly fail to put the Tigers on track for a trip to the College Football Playoff, but his fourth season at the helm ended prematurely. On Sunday, LSU athletic director Scott Woodward announced that the school had decided to part ways with Kelly.
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Woodward was fired Thursday after coming under fire from Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry.
LSU head coach Brian Kelly speaking at the Omni Dallas Hotel on July 15, 2024. (Brett Patzke/USA Today Sports)
Following Kelly’s unceremonious departure, individuals associated with LSU during the coach’s polarizing tenure are speaking out.
While Kelly managed to post double-digit wins in each of his first two seasons in Baton Rouge, current and former players took issue with his seemingly hands-off approach and inability to build strong relationships.
AFTER BRIAN KELLY’S FIRING, LSU IS NOW SEARCHING FOR A NEW ATHLETIC DIRECTOR
A group of anonymous LSU staff members told The Athletic Kelly sometimes had trouble remembering some of the full names of the players he coached.
“[LSU’s rivals would] use this against us: “He will never talk to you guys. He doesn’t even know the names of the players,” a staff member told the media.
LSU head coach Brian Kelly walks the sideline in the second half of a game against Texas A&M on October 25, 2025 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. (AP Photo/Gérald Herbert)
A staff member also accused Kelly of ruining LSU’s culture and not fully grasping the differences between an SEC program and what he might have become accustomed to while succeeding at Notre Dame.
“He really stripped away the culture of this place. You know this place isn’t consistent, man,” the LSU staffer said.
Representatives for Kelly could not be reached for comment.
LSU head coach Brian Kelly watches from the sidelines during the second half of a game against Alabama in Baton Rouge, La., Nov. 9, 2024. (AP Photo/Gérald Herbert)
Tiger Stadium, normally packed and noisy, was nearly empty in the final quarter of LSU’s blowout loss to Texas A&M on Saturday. Kelly met with Woodward on Sunday and then with the players.
