How Brian Kelly’s first three years compared to previous LSU head coaches

Brian Kelly’s tenure as the head coach of the LSU Tigers has been marked by a combination of success, adjustment, and a highly competitive nature. Kelly, hired as LSU’s head coach in December 2021, took over from Ed Orgeron after the latter’s tumultuous final season. The expectations were high for Kelly, given his success at Notre Dame, and many wondered how he would fare in the SEC with the storied program of LSU. After three seasons at the helm, Kelly has shown he can lead LSU back to prominence, and his early results are worthy of comparison to the programs built by his predecessors. Here, we’ll examine Kelly’s first three years at LSU and how they compare to those of previous head coaches in the history of the Tigers’ football program.

Brian Kelly’s First Three Years: Building a Foundation for Success

Brian Kelly’s first three seasons have been successful in their own right, setting the tone for future growth. In his inaugural year (2022), Kelly immediately faced the challenge of revamping a team that had underperformed the previous season under Orgeron. The program was coming off a 6-7 record and needed a change in direction. Kelly came in with a strong track record of success at Notre Dame, but the SEC is an entirely different beast, especially when it comes to recruiting and competition.

In Kelly’s first season, LSU posted a 10-4 record, including a notable SEC West title and a dramatic victory over Alabama in Tuscaloosa. This was a remarkable feat, considering Kelly was working with a roster that had significant turnover and many areas that required improvement. The season was capped off with a Citrus Bowl win over Purdue, further solidifying Kelly’s status as a capable leader.

The second season (2023) showed further promise, as Kelly’s program continued to build momentum. LSU finished with an 11-2 record, once again contending in the SEC and advancing to a major bowl game. Kelly was able to attract key transfers, solidify his recruiting base, and develop a team that became a serious contender in the conference. His first two seasons at LSU clearly showed the program was heading in the right direction.

Comparing Brian Kelly to Nick Saban (2000-2004)

One of the most influential and successful head coaches in LSU history was Nick Saban, who led the Tigers to a national championship in 2003. Saban’s first three years at LSU were crucial in establishing the program’s national relevance. His tenure from 2000 to 2004 transformed the team, which had been inconsistent under previous coaches, into an SEC powerhouse.

Saban’s first season at LSU (2000) was a mixed bag. LSU finished 8-4, but there were clear signs of improvement. The program had been in a rebuilding phase, and Saban used that first year to instill his disciplined coaching philosophy. By his second season (2001), Saban turned the corner, leading LSU to a 10-3 record and the SEC championship game. Saban’s third season (2003) was his crowning achievement, culminating in an 11-2 record and a national championship victory over Oklahoma in the Sugar Bowl.

While Kelly’s early success has been impressive, Saban’s ability to take LSU from mediocrity to a national champion in just three years stands out. Kelly’s team, although competitive, is still in the process of developing the consistency and elite-level dominance that Saban brought to LSU in such a short time. However, Kelly’s ability to get LSU back to competing at a high level in the SEC in his first few years is notable, and he could be on track to achieve similar sustained success as Saban.

Les Miles (2005-2016): A Unique Approach with Immediate Success

Les Miles is another coach who had significant success in his first few seasons at LSU. Hired in 2005 after Nick Saban’s departure, Miles faced the challenge of maintaining the momentum Saban had built. His first season (2005) saw the Tigers finish with a 10-3 record, which was a strong debut in a competitive SEC. Miles was known for his unique, sometimes unpredictable style, but he was able to connect with players and elevate the program.

In his second season (2006), LSU finished 11-2, including a Peach Bowl victory over Notre Dame. By his third season (2007), Miles led LSU to a national championship, defeating Ohio State in the BCS National Championship Game. This early success cemented Miles as one of the program’s top coaches, and he went on to have a successful 11-year run at LSU, including multiple SEC titles.

Miles had the advantage of inheriting a program that was already in a strong position under Saban, so his task was slightly different than Kelly’s. Nonetheless, Miles’ ability to step into a successful program and keep it at an elite level from the start was evident in his early accomplishments. Kelly’s path has been slightly more challenging, but his consistency, particularly in his first two years, suggests that LSU’s future under his leadership could be just as bright as Miles’ successful tenure.

Ed Orgeron (2016-2021): A Rapid Rise and a National Title

Ed Orgeron’s tenure as LSU’s head coach is one of the most fascinating and unique stories in college football. Orgeron took over as interim head coach in 2016, replacing Les Miles mid-season. Orgeron’s style and approach were different from both Saban and Miles, and in his first full season (2017), LSU finished 9-4, which was solid but not spectacular. However, it was his 2018 season that set the stage for his meteoric rise.

Orgeron’s 2018 LSU team finished with a 10-3 record, and he was able to recruit at an extremely high level. The foundation for the 2019 national championship was laid during his early years at LSU. In 2019, Orgeron led LSU to one of the most dominant seasons in college football history, finishing with a 15-0 record and capturing a national championship with a victory over Clemson in the College Football Playoff National Championship Game.

Orgeron’s success in his first few years was remarkable, especially considering he inherited a program in transition. His ability to recruit top talent and develop them into a national championship-winning team is impressive. However, after the peak of 2019, LSU fell into a period of instability, with the program experiencing a decline in 2020 and 2021, which ultimately led to Orgeron’s departure.

Brian Kelly’s early years at LSU have not yet reached the highs that Orgeron achieved in 2019, but Kelly’s program is on a steady trajectory. While Orgeron’s rapid rise to a national title is the ultimate high-water mark for LSU, Kelly’s sustained success and attention to detail are what might separate his tenure from Orgeron’s volatile but successful years.

Summary and Comparison of Brian Kelly’s First Three Years to Previous LSU Coaches

Brian Kelly (2022-2024)

• Year 1 (2022): 10-4 record, SEC West Title, Citrus Bowl win
• Year 2 (2023): 11-2 record, top-tier SEC contender
• Year 3 (2024): Continuation of success, likely in the playoff hunt
  Kelly has quickly built a competitive team that is once again competing for SEC titles and national contention. His focus on player development, discipline, and a balanced program suggests long-term success.

Nick Saban (2000-2004)

• Year 1 (2000): 8-4 record
• Year 2 (2001): 10-3 record, SEC Championship Game appearance
• Year 3 (2003): 11-2 record, National Championship
  Saban’s rapid ascent with LSU was impressive, with a national title in just his third year. He laid the foundation for LSU to become a perennial powerhouse.

Les Miles (2005-2007)

• Year 1 (2005): 10-3 record
• Year 2 (2006): 11-2 record
• Year 3 (2007): 11-2 record, National Championship
  Miles’ early success, culminating in a national championship in Year 3, shows the ability to sustain the momentum Saban created.

Ed Orgeron (2017-2021)

• Year 1 (2017): 9-4 record
• Year 2 (2018): 10-3 record
• Year 3 (2019): 15-0 record, National Championship
  Orgeron’s rapid rise and the championship win in Year 3 are standout moments, though his tenure was marked by ups and downs after 2019.