Brian Kelly’s time at LSU might be characterized by lost opportunities and unfulfilled expectations.
Brian Kelly’s Time at LSU: Lost Opportunities and Unfulfilled Expectations
Brian Kelly’s arrival at LSU in 2022 marked the beginning of an exciting new era for the Tigers. A highly respected coach with a long and successful tenure at Notre Dame, Kelly’s move to Baton Rouge generated high expectations and hopes for a swift return to prominence. LSU, one of the most storied programs in college football, needed a leader who could navigate the complexities of the SEC and return the program to national championship contention. The hiring of Kelly, a coach with a proven record of sustained success, seemed like a perfect fit. However, as his time at LSU progresses, there are growing concerns that Kelly’s tenure could be marked more by lost opportunities and unfulfilled expectations than the championship glory LSU fans were hoping for.
While it’s undeniable that Kelly has achieved some success during his first few seasons in Baton Rouge, several factors have left LSU fans questioning whether Kelly can truly take the Tigers to the heights they expect. As of 2025, his tenure at LSU remains in a precarious position, with many of the expectations that accompanied his hiring yet to be fully realized.
The High Expectations
When Brian Kelly was hired by LSU, it was with the hope that he could restore a once-dominant program to its former glory. LSU has long been a powerhouse in college football, winning three national championships since 2000 (2003, 2007, 2019) and producing NFL talent at an incredible rate. The Tigers have been a perennial contender in the SEC, and fans expected Kelly to maintain that tradition while building a program capable of competing for national titles.
Kelly’s track record at Notre Dame was impressive. He transformed the Fighting Irish into a consistent playoff contender, leading them to the College Football Playoff twice and to major bowl games regularly. His leadership and ability to recruit elite talent were key factors in his success. LSU was seen as an ideal destination for a coach like Kelly, who had proven he could build a winning program but was still searching for the ultimate validation in the form of a national championship.
The 2022 season was seen as a fresh start for LSU, a chance to get back to the pinnacle of college football. Kelly’s first year at LSU saw an immediate turnaround, with the team finishing 10-4 and winning the Citrus Bowl. While this was a solid debut, it fell short of the lofty expectations placed on Kelly, especially when compared to the success of other programs in the SEC. LSU’s 10-win season was an encouraging start, but it was clear that the program was still a long way from competing with the likes of Georgia, Alabama, and other SEC giants on a consistent basis.
Lost Opportunities in the SEC
The SEC is a league known for its dominance in college football, and LSU is at the heart of this competitive landscape. The Tigers have long been a key player in the conference, but recent seasons have been marked by missed opportunities in critical games. Kelly’s LSU teams have not been able to consistently win the big games that matter most, particularly within the SEC.
In his first season, Kelly’s Tigers dropped games to rivals like Tennessee and Texas A&M, both of which were crucial for securing a higher spot in the SEC standings and a potential playoff berth. The loss to Tennessee in particular was a blow, as it came at home in a game that many believed LSU needed to win to stay in the College Football Playoff conversation. Instead, the loss left the Tigers with an uphill battle for the remainder of the season.
In 2024, LSU’s performance again raised questions about Kelly’s ability to coach in the tough SEC environment. Despite having talent at almost every position, LSU struggled with consistency. The Tigers dropped another crucial SEC game to Alabama, who has been the dominant force in the conference for the better part of a decade. While Alabama is always a formidable opponent, LSU’s inability to rise to the occasion in these high-profile matchups suggested that Kelly was still struggling to get over the hump in the conference.
The SEC is unforgiving, and Kelly has yet to show that he can regularly compete with the top-tier programs in the league. While LSU has a talented roster, the team has not been able to deliver in the most important moments. Whether it’s a failure to execute on offense or a defense that struggles to make key stops, Kelly’s Tigers have not yet demonstrated the consistency required to dethrone the conference’s elite teams.
Defensive Struggles and Missed Opportunities in Recruitment
One of the most glaring issues for Brian Kelly at LSU has been the inconsistency on defense. While Kelly is known for his strong offensive schemes, LSU’s defense has failed to meet the standard expected of an elite SEC program. Under Kelly, LSU has shown flashes of brilliance on defense, but they’ve also been susceptible to big plays and unable to get off the field in crucial situations.
In 2023 and 2024, LSU’s defense struggled against high-powered offenses, and in both seasons, the Tigers failed to keep pace with teams that had strong quarterbacks and explosive playmakers. While Kelly’s offense has shown significant improvement, with a more up-tempo approach and stronger quarterback play, the defense has lagged behind. In a conference like the SEC, where dominant defenses often make the difference between winning and losing, LSU’s struggles on that side of the ball have proven to be a limiting factor.
Recruitment, especially on the defensive side, is also an area where Kelly has missed opportunities. While LSU is still able to land some of the best talent in the country, Kelly has struggled to consistently bring in the level of elite defensive prospects needed to dominate the conference. In particular, LSU’s defensive line and secondary have been areas of concern, as they’ve often been exposed in big games against high-octane offenses.
For LSU, winning the SEC and competing for national championships requires a strong, well-rounded team, and Kelly’s inability to assemble a truly elite defense has limited the Tigers’ championship aspirations. The missed opportunities in recruitment and player development have been a significant reason why LSU has yet to reclaim its status as a perennial contender under Kelly.
Missteps in Key Game Management
Another aspect of Kelly’s tenure at LSU that has raised questions is his game management. Throughout his time in Baton Rouge, Kelly has been criticized for his decisions during critical moments in games. Whether it’s conservative play calling, failure to make key adjustments, or questionable in-game decisions, Kelly’s coaching in high-pressure situations has come under scrutiny.
In 2024, LSU found itself in a number of tight contests where the outcome was determined by a few pivotal moments. Unfortunately, in several of these games, Kelly’s decision-making was called into question. His reluctance to make bold decisions, particularly in critical fourth-quarter moments, led to missed opportunities. Against Alabama, for instance, Kelly chose to play conservatively with a lead, opting not to take risks that could have secured a win. This conservative approach ultimately allowed Alabama to regain control of the game and win in the final moments.
These types of game management issues are not unique to LSU and have followed Kelly throughout his career. While he has had success, his inability to consistently make the right decisions in key moments has hindered his teams from reaching their full potential.
Is Brian Kelly the Right Fit for LSU?
With the 2025 season quickly approaching, the question remains: is Brian Kelly the right coach to lead LSU back to the top of college football? While Kelly has had success at LSU, it’s fair to say that his time with the Tigers has been marked by lost opportunities. LSU has one of the most talented rosters in the country, but Kelly has yet to make the most of it, particularly when it comes to competing in the SEC and winning the big games.
The LSU fanbase is used to competing for national championships. The expectations are high, and the pressure to succeed is constant. As of 2025, it remains to be seen whether Kelly can elevate the Tigers to the level of consistent championship contenders that LSU expects. His tenure at LSU could go down as a tale of unfulfilled potential if the program fails to meet the high expectations that came with his hiring.
While Kelly’s first few seasons at LSU have shown glimpses of success, there is no question that the program is still a long way from where it needs to be. The defense continues to be a weak point, key games have been lost, and Kelly’s decision-making in critical moments has raised doubts about his ability to win when it matters most.
In the SEC, where the competition is fierce and the margin for error is razor-thin, Kelly must find a way to turn LSU’s fortunes around in the coming seasons. If he doesn’t, his time at LSU may ultimately be remembered for what could have been rather than what was achieved. LSU fans are patient, but as each season passes, the window for success narrows. If Kelly cannot guide LSU to an SEC title and a national championship, the questions surrounding his tenure will only continue to grow.
