Brian Kelly, an instant breakout star for the LSU Tigers, is already putting on incredible performances in spring workouts.

When Brian Kelly was hired as head coach of the LSU Tigers in 2022, few could have predicted just how quickly he would make a significant impact on the program. The former Notre Dame head coach inherited a team that was in transition—coming off a turbulent period under former coach Ed Orgeron, which had seen ups and downs both on and off the field. Kelly’s task was to restore the Tigers to national prominence while also navigating the challenges of SEC football, arguably the most competitive conference in college football.

Fast forward to the spring of 2023, and Kelly has already begun to showcase the kind of success that has made him a highly respected coach in college football. In a very short period, Kelly has managed to completely transform LSU’s culture, instilling discipline, accountability, and a winning mindset. What has been most impressive, however, is how quickly his players have responded to his leadership in spring workouts. The LSU Tigers are putting on incredible performances, with a noticeable improvement in both individual and team dynamics. It’s not just about the X’s and O’s of the game; it’s about the broader culture Kelly is building, which is evident during these spring sessions.

This article takes a closer look at Brian Kelly’s immediate success with LSU in spring workouts, evaluating the factors that have contributed to his breakout performances as a head coach and examining how his leadership has revitalized the program. From the development of star players to Kelly’s influence on the overall team culture, we’ll explore how he’s already making his mark in Baton Rouge.

Kelly’s Immediate Impact on the LSU Culture

One of the first things Brian Kelly did upon arriving in Baton Rouge was to establish a clear and unwavering focus on discipline and accountability. Kelly is known for his meticulous attention to detail and his no-nonsense approach to coaching. At Notre Dame, he was credited with transforming the Fighting Irish into a perennial playoff contender through his work ethic, organizational skills, and ability to develop players. These traits have seamlessly transferred to LSU, where Kelly has emphasized a systematic approach to football—ensuring that every player understands their role and has a clear path to improvement.

From the very beginning, Kelly made it clear that LSU’s success would not just come from individual talent, but from building a cohesive and disciplined team. Spring workouts under Kelly have been marked by intense focus, structure, and an emphasis on competition. Players have been expected to meet high standards every day, whether in the weight room, during drills, or in meetings. Kelly’s emphasis on doing things the right way—from executing plays to maintaining a professional attitude—has helped create an atmosphere of growth and accountability.

Perhaps the most striking aspect of Kelly’s early tenure has been the rapid transformation of the team’s mindset. LSU’s players have bought into the idea that success comes from hard work, preparation, and team-oriented goals. Instead of focusing solely on individual accolades, players are now striving to improve as a collective unit, with the understanding that the program’s success will follow from their collective effort. This shift in mindset has been incredibly important for the Tigers, who were in need of a reset after a challenging period in the post-Orgeron era.

The Development of Key Players: LSU’s Breakout Stars

Under Kelly’s guidance, some LSU players are already showing signs of significant development and improvement during the spring workouts. One of the most talked-about players in the LSU program is quarterback Jayden Daniels, a transfer from Arizona State who was expected to play a crucial role in the Tigers’ 2023 season. Daniels has shown impressive development in spring workouts, with Kelly’s emphasis on both technical skills and mental toughness playing a key role in his progress.

Daniels, who brings a unique dual-threat capability to the LSU offense, has been working closely with Kelly and offensive coordinator Mike Denbrock to fine-tune his mechanics and decision-making in the pocket. Kelly’s experience in developing quarterbacks—especially with his success in coaching quarterbacks at Notre Dame—has been a major asset to Daniels. Throughout spring practice, Daniels has looked more confident, poised, and in command of the offense than ever before. His improved decision-making, coupled with his natural athleticism, could make him one of the most dangerous quarterbacks in the SEC.

Another player who has been making waves in the spring workouts is wide receiver Malik Nabers. Nabers, a rising star in LSU’s receiving corps, has demonstrated tremendous growth under Kelly’s tutelage. As one of the Tigers’ most dynamic playmakers, Nabers has shown an ability to make explosive plays during spring practice, using his speed and route-running precision to create separation from defenders. Kelly’s emphasis on the importance of chemistry between quarterbacks and receivers has clearly paid off for Nabers, who has consistently stood out as one of the most improved players in the program.

While Daniels and Nabers have garnered much of the attention, several other players have benefited from Kelly’s focus on player development. On the defensive side of the ball, linebacker Harold Perkins has shown remarkable growth in spring workouts. Perkins, one of the most highly touted defensive players in college football, has used the offseason to improve his recognition skills and his ability to read offenses. Under Kelly’s watchful eye, Perkins has developed a sharper football IQ, allowing him to react quicker and be even more of a disruptive force on defense.

Even LSU’s offensive line, which had been a concern for the Tigers in recent seasons, has shown marked improvement under Kelly’s coaching staff. The offensive line’s physicality and technique have been key focal points in the spring workouts, with Kelly and his staff working tirelessly to address weaknesses and ensure the unit can compete at the highest level in the SEC. The improvements are already apparent, with several players showing progress in their ability to control the line of scrimmage, an area where LSU had struggled in previous seasons.

The Work Ethic and Preparation: Kelly’s Philosophy on Spring Workouts

For Brian Kelly, the spring workouts are more than just an opportunity to prepare for the upcoming season—they are a critical part of the program’s culture-building process. Kelly has been adamant about the importance of preparation and effort during these off-season months. Unlike many head coaches, who treat spring football as a more relaxed or exploratory period, Kelly treats it with a level of intensity that reflects his high standards for success.

“Spring practice is about laying the foundation for the fall,” Kelly said in a recent interview. “We want to make sure our players are prepared, not just physically, but mentally and emotionally. This is when we establish the habits that will carry us through the entire season.”

Kelly’s philosophy centers around meticulous preparation in all areas—physical, mental, and tactical. His spring practices have been filled with intense drills designed to sharpen players’ skills and improve their endurance, while also emphasizing the importance of mental toughness. As the Tigers go through various scenarios on both offense and defense, Kelly constantly challenges them to think critically, stay focused under pressure, and execute plays with precision.

One of Kelly’s major goals has been to improve the Tigers’ consistency. Rather than relying on flashes of brilliance, he wants his players to perform at a high level on a daily basis. In his mind, consistent effort and attention to detail are the keys to success, not just for individual players but for the entire team. Kelly’s approach is one that emphasizes doing the little things right—whether it’s footwork, reading defenses, or executing blocking assignments.

The result of this attention to detail has been noticeable in LSU’s spring workouts, as players have been executing their assignments more effectively than in previous years. Kelly has fostered a mentality where every play matters, and it’s clear that his coaching style has created a higher level of focus and discipline within the team.

The Impact on Recruiting: Building LSU’s Future

In addition to the on-field improvements, Kelly’s success in spring workouts has also had a positive impact on recruiting. As one of the premier programs in the SEC, LSU has long been an attractive destination for top recruits, but under Kelly’s leadership, the Tigers’ reputation has grown even stronger.

Prospects who have visited LSU during the spring have been impressed by the level of commitment and focus they see in the program. Kelly’s ability to immediately turn around a program and instill discipline has made a strong impression on recruits, who recognize that they would be joining a program that prioritizes player development, mental toughness, and success on and off the field.

One of the key areas Kelly has focused on in recruiting is bringing in players who fit the culture he is building. Rather than relying solely on star power, Kelly has worked hard to recruit players who are committed to the team-first mentality he emphasizes. This focus on culture has allowed LSU to secure several high-profile recruits in the 2024 and 2025 classes, many of whom have been drawn to the program by Kelly’s vision and leadership.

Additionally, LSU’s success in spring workouts has given the program a boost on the national recruiting stage. Recruits are paying attention to the Tigers’ ability to develop talent, and the early results of Kelly’s methods are already paying dividends. With the continued development of the current roster and the influx of new talent, LSU’s future looks bright under Kelly’s leadership.