Brian Kelly’s LSU Tigers face a pivotal turning point after disappointing 9-4 season that signals a potential decline from glory years.

The LSU Tigers, one of the most storied programs in college football, are currently at a crucial crossroads in their journey. Under the leadership of head coach Brian Kelly, LSU entered the 2024 season with high expectations after a promising first year in 2022, but a disappointing 9-4 finish has cast a shadow over the future of the program. While 9-4 is hardly a disastrous record, it marks a significant underachievement considering LSU’s rich history and high standards. More than that, it signals a potential decline from the glory years that LSU football once enjoyed.

With a program that boasts three national championships since the turn of the century and consistently ranks among the elite programs in college football, expectations are never low at LSU. However, after a season that saw significant struggles and inconsistency, many are questioning whether Brian Kelly can maintain the level of success that his predecessors, like Nick Saban, Les Miles, and Ed Orgeron, were able to achieve. While the program remains one of the most prestigious in the SEC, the road ahead is filled with challenges that could define the future of LSU football for years to come.

This article will explore the implications of LSU’s disappointing 9-4 season, analyze the factors that contributed to the Tigers’ struggles, and assess what this pivotal moment means for Brian Kelly’s tenure and the future of LSU football.

The Glory Years: LSU’s Rich Football Tradition

To fully understand the magnitude of LSU’s current situation, it’s important to reflect on the program’s glory years, which set a high bar for success. The Tigers have enjoyed a rich history in college football, especially in the modern era. From the days of legendary coaches like Charles McClendon to the more recent dominance under Nick Saban and Ed Orgeron, LSU has consistently been a contender in the SEC and on the national stage.

Under Saban, LSU won a national championship in 2003, and the Tigers established themselves as a force to be reckoned with in the SEC. Saban’s departure to the NFL led to the hiring of Les Miles, whose teams continued the tradition of excellence, culminating in a national title in 2007. The Tigers’ 2019 season under Ed Orgeron remains one of the most dominant in college football history, with Joe Burrow leading the team to a perfect 15-0 record and a national championship. That 2019 squad is often regarded as one of the best in the history of the sport.

However, the program’s success began to slip after the heights of 2019. A tumultuous 2020 season, marked by struggles both on and off the field, led to the firing of Coach Orgeron, despite his success in bringing LSU its fourth national championship. In came Brian Kelly in 2022, following a highly successful run at Notre Dame, with the expectation that he could restore LSU to national prominence.

Brian Kelly’s Arrival and Early Success

When Brian Kelly took over as head coach of LSU, the excitement surrounding his arrival was palpable. Kelly had built a reputation as a proven winner at Notre Dame, taking the Fighting Irish to multiple College Football Playoff appearances and securing consistent top-10 finishes. His leadership and discipline were seen as exactly what LSU needed after a rocky few years post-2019.

In his first season at LSU in 2022, Kelly led the Tigers to a 10-4 record, highlighted by a memorable win over Alabama and a thrilling appearance in the SEC Championship game. While LSU ultimately fell short in the SEC title game, the season was considered a success by many, especially given the challenges Kelly inherited. The Tigers showed resilience and promise, and Kelly was hailed for his ability to quickly implement his system and get the best out of his players.

However, expectations skyrocketed for Kelly and LSU heading into the 2024 season. With a strong recruiting class, talented transfers, and returning key players, many believed that LSU was poised to challenge for the SEC title and potentially return to College Football Playoff contention. But the 9-4 season that followed was a significant disappointment, especially given the roster’s talent and the momentum from the previous year.

The Disappointing 9-4 Season: A Decline or a Setback?

While a 9-4 record isn’t a terrible outcome by most standards, it falls far short of the championship aspirations that many LSU fans and analysts had for the team. LSU’s 2024 campaign was marked by inconsistent play on both sides of the ball, lackluster performances against top-tier opponents, and struggles in crucial moments that led to several losses.

One of the most glaring issues for LSU was the inability to consistently compete with the SEC’s elite programs. Despite having the talent to match up with the best, LSU dropped games to high-ranking opponents that ultimately knocked them out of SEC Championship contention. Losses to rivals like Alabama and Texas A&M—teams that LSU is expected to beat if they wish to remain in the upper echelon of the SEC—left fans and analysts questioning the program’s readiness to compete for titles in the post-Orgeron era.

On offense, LSU’s high-powered attack under offensive coordinator Mike Denbrock never quite found its rhythm. Quarterback play, while not disastrous, was inconsistent, and there was a lack of explosive plays that LSU teams of the past were known for. Running back depth, though solid, didn’t live up to expectations, and the offensive line, which had been a strength in previous years, was shaky at times.

Defensively, LSU’s performance was equally erratic. The Tigers have historically prided themselves on tough, physical defenses, but in 2024, their defense often seemed out of sync. The defensive line, a unit that has typically been a source of pride, struggled to generate consistent pressure on opposing quarterbacks. The secondary, which had been a strength, also faced growing pains and allowed several big plays over the course of the season. Tackling, which has been a hallmark of LSU defenses, was often sloppy, and the defense seemed to falter in the fourth quarter of close games.

Ultimately, the 9-4 record was a product of these inconsistent performances, as well as missed opportunities in crucial games. LSU had the talent to win the majority of these matchups, but the lack of cohesion and execution led to a season that fell short of expectations.

The Future of Brian Kelly at LSU

Despite the disappointing season, it is important to acknowledge that one 9-4 season does not define the legacy of a program or a coach. Brian Kelly’s first year at LSU was filled with challenges, and rebuilding a program with a storied history is never an easy task. Kelly has proven himself to be an exceptional coach, and his experience and success at Notre Dame provide confidence that he can get LSU back on track.

However, the pressure on Kelly is now mounting. LSU fans and boosters are used to competing at the highest level, and the expectation is that the Tigers will return to prominence quickly. The 9-4 season raised doubts about LSU’s future under Kelly, especially when compared to the program’s glory years. There is no question that the program has the resources, talent, and fanbase to be a consistent national contender, but Kelly will need to address several key issues if LSU is to get back to competing for SEC and national championships.

One of the most pressing questions surrounding Kelly’s future is his ability to recruit and develop elite talent. LSU has long been known as a recruiting powerhouse, with the ability to land top-tier players from across the nation. Kelly’s success at Notre Dame was in part due to his ability to recruit strong classes and develop players into high-caliber athletes. However, LSU’s recruiting class for 2024 didn’t meet the lofty expectations, and the lack of depth in key positions became evident over the course of the season.

Kelly will need to tap into LSU’s recruiting potential and secure the types of players who can immediately impact the program. This means finding the next generation of quarterbacks, building a stronger offensive line, and bolstering the defense, especially in the secondary. LSU’s brand and facilities are among the best in the country, but Kelly will need to capitalize on this to keep the Tigers competitive with other SEC powerhouses like Alabama, Georgia, and Tennessee.

Another crucial aspect will be improving the team’s mental toughness and ability to perform in high-pressure situations. LSU’s inability to close out games, particularly against top competition, was a significant factor in their 9-4 record. Kelly will need to instill a stronger sense of consistency and resilience in his players, ensuring that they can execute when it matters most.

A Turning Point for LSU

The 2024 season represents a pivotal turning point for LSU and Brian Kelly. While the program remains in good hands with a proven leader at the helm, the Tigers must rise to the occasion in the coming seasons. There is little room for complacency at a program like LSU, where championship aspirations are the norm. If Kelly cannot quickly address the issues that plagued LSU in 2024, it could signal the beginning of a decline for a program that once seemed invincible.

LSU’s legacy is one of dominance, resilience, and success. The glory years are not forgotten, but they must serve as a blueprint for future success rather than a comparison point for past achievements. Brian Kelly has the tools to restore LSU to its former glory, but the road ahead is not easy. The future of LSU football rests in Kelly’s ability to recruit, develop, and adapt to the ever-changing landscape of college football. If he can overcome the challenges of the 9-4 season and lead LSU back to the top, he will solidify his place in the pantheon of great LSU coaches. However, if the struggles continue, it may signal the beginning of a new chapter in LSU football, one that looks far different from the glory years of the past.