CFB World Rubs Salt in Brian Kelly’s Wound as His $95M LSU Job Faces Uncertainty

CFB World Rubs Salt in Brian Kelly’s Wound as His $95M LSU Job Faces Uncertainty

Brian Kelly, the head coach of LSU’s football program, is in a position that many would envy. After securing a ten-year, $95 million contract with the LSU Tigers in 2022, Kelly set off to make his mark on one of college football’s most storied programs. Yet, despite the monumental salary and high expectations, Kelly’s tenure has faced unexpected challenges, casting a shadow over what was initially a high-profile move in the coaching world.

In recent months, the football world has watched closely as the LSU Tigers have struggled to maintain consistency under Kelly’s leadership. Though there have been flashes of brilliance, the program’s performance has not been as steady or dominant as anticipated. The pressures of living up to the enormous financial commitment, coupled with the mounting scrutiny from fans, pundits, and rivals, have caused some to question whether Kelly’s era at LSU will live up to its billing.

This article will explore the current state of Brian Kelly’s job security at LSU, the challenges he’s facing, and the uncertainty that is now swirling around the program.

The Expectations Were Sky-High

When Brian Kelly left Notre Dame to take the reins at LSU, the move was met with a great deal of excitement and optimism. Kelly had been successful at Notre Dame, leading the Fighting Irish to multiple College Football Playoff appearances and securing consistent 10-win seasons. But Notre Dame’s lack of a national championship title despite regular appearances on the big stage meant that Kelly needed a new challenge, and LSU—a program with a history of national championships, elite talent, and fanatical support—seemed like the perfect fit.

Kelly’s $95 million deal made him one of the highest-paid coaches in college football. The contract and the prestige of LSU’s football program created a sense of expectation that Kelly would take the Tigers to the top of the college football world. The LSU faithful were hoping Kelly would not only maintain the standard set by his predecessors—coaches like Nick Saban, Les Miles, and Ed Orgeron—but elevate the program to new heights.

However, the road to that promised glory has been much bumpier than expected.

The 2022 Season: A First Glimpse at the Challenges

Kelly’s first season at LSU in 2022 was an important one in setting the tone for his tenure. The Tigers faced a transition year with new players, new schemes, and a coaching staff that had to work out the kinks in real time. Despite a promising first year that included a win over Alabama and an SEC West title, LSU was not immune to the challenges of inconsistency that have plagued the program in recent years.

Though LSU made it to the SEC Championship Game and appeared in a New Year’s Six bowl, the team’s performance left much to be desired. There were notable ups—such as beating rival Alabama and competing in the SEC Championship Game—but also glaring downs, including unexpected losses to teams like Texas A&M and a late-season loss to Georgia in the SEC Championship.

The lack of sustained dominance, combined with inconsistent play on both sides of the ball, gave critics reason to pause. LSU’s struggles on defense were particularly concerning, as the program’s rich history has been built on a foundation of strong defensive play. Despite Kelly’s efforts to revitalize LSU’s program, the Tigers seemed to be stuck in a state of flux, often showing flashes of potential but lacking the consistency to take down the conference’s elite.

While the first season ended with some positive signs, it was clear that Kelly’s rebuild was far from complete. This uncertainty was further amplified as the program began to face more competitive challenges within the SEC.

2023: Struggles and Criticism Mount

As the 2023 season rolled around, expectations for Kelly’s LSU Tigers were elevated. After a somewhat encouraging first season, the fanbase expected continued progress, if not outright dominance. However, 2023 brought its fair share of setbacks. The Tigers faced unexpected losses and struggles that left many questioning Kelly’s ability to get the program to the next level.

LSU’s defense, which had been a weak spot in 2022, remained a liability. The Tigers gave up big plays in key games, and their inability to stop potent offenses such as those of Alabama and Ole Miss ultimately proved costly. Despite having a talented quarterback in Jayden Daniels and some excellent offensive weapons, LSU couldn’t overcome defensive shortcomings that hindered its ability to compete for SEC and national titles.

Offensive consistency also became an issue. Kelly’s offense at LSU struggled to find rhythm in some crucial games, and the Tigers’ play-calling and execution in key moments often came under fire. The lack of a consistent offensive identity prevented LSU from putting away teams that they should have defeated easily. As a result, the team was unable to challenge for an SEC Championship or secure a spot in the College Football Playoff.

On top of all of this, Kelly’s handling of in-game situations and key decisions continued to be a subject of scrutiny. Critics argued that he had yet to fully adapt to the competitive, high-pressure environment of the SEC, where the margins between victory and defeat are razor-thin. While Kelly’s leadership and experience were not in question, there were whispers that he had yet to find his footing in Baton Rouge.

Financial Expectations vs. Reality

With his massive $95 million contract, Brian Kelly was expected to deliver an elite product on the field almost immediately. The immense financial commitment LSU made to Kelly puts additional pressure on him to succeed in ways that other coaches at LSU—let alone coaches across college football—are not burdened with. The contract served as a statement of intent, demonstrating LSU’s belief that Kelly could return the Tigers to their rightful place among the nation’s elite programs.

However, the reality is that college football is a difficult and competitive landscape, and no amount of financial investment can guarantee success. LSU’s high expectations for Kelly, combined with his hefty paycheck, have only intensified the scrutiny on his program’s performance. Even though the team has made strides in some areas, the lack of a clear, consistent championship contender on the field raises concerns about whether LSU will ever reach the heights its supporters envisioned when Kelly signed his contract.

Some members of the fanbase have become restless, frustrated by what they perceive as a lack of progress. For a program with the talent and resources that LSU has, failure to win championships or consistently challenge for them is seen as unacceptable. With Kelly’s salary representing such a massive investment, fans are becoming increasingly impatient with the team’s underperformance.

External Scrutiny: Media and Fanbase Pressure

Outside of LSU, there’s been an ongoing narrative about Kelly’s tenure, fueled by pundits and critics questioning whether he was the right hire for a program with such high expectations. While Kelly has a proven track record of success at Notre Dame, the transition to the SEC has been more difficult than many anticipated.

The SEC is a conference where competition is fierce and the pressure is unrelenting. Kelly’s struggles to adapt to the demands of coaching in such a competitive environment have not gone unnoticed. Critics have begun to question whether Kelly’s style of coaching, which worked well at Notre Dame, is suited for the fast-paced, high-pressure world of SEC football. Whether Kelly can adapt his approach to fully take advantage of LSU’s resources is something that many are still unsure of.

The LSU fanbase, known for its passion and demanding standards, has also begun to voice its discontent. Many feel that Kelly, despite his experience and previous success, has underperformed at a program that should be competing for national championships. Given the massive financial commitment from LSU, fans expect a faster return on investment.

Is Kelly’s Job Safe?

Despite the external pressures, it is important to note that Kelly’s job is likely safe for the immediate future. LSU’s financial commitment to him, combined with the fact that he is only in his second year, makes it unlikely that the school will part ways with him anytime soon. However, the heat is definitely on, and the expectations surrounding LSU’s football program will only grow more intense as time goes on.

For Kelly, the next couple of seasons will be critical. The Tigers need to show significant improvement, especially in key areas such as defense, consistency, and in-game execution. If LSU fails to meet expectations in 2024 or 2025, the possibility of Kelly’s departure or a reassessment of his future in Baton Rouge could become a real conversation.