LSU Parts Ways with Brian Kelly After Disappointing Season

Louisiana State University (LSU) has dismissed football coach Brian Kelly following a disappointing season that failed to meet lofty expectations. The decision, reported by CBS Sports’ Matt Zenitz, comes as the Tigers hold a 5-3 record in the current campaign. This marks the end of Kelly’s four-year tenure, during which he compiled a 34-14 overall record.

In a series of contentious meetings on Sunday, the university opted to part ways with Kelly, a move that will cost the athletic department over $52 million as part of his buyout. This sizeable financial commitment ranks as the second-highest buyout in college football history. The dismissal follows a particularly difficult stretch for the Tigers, who have struggled offensively throughout the season, averaging their lowest points per game since 2009.

The Tigers’ performance reached a critical low point after a devastating 49-25 loss to No. 3 Texas A&M, which sparked chants of “Fire Kelly” from the home crowd at Tiger Stadium. Kelly had initially arrived at the football facility on Sunday with plans to dismiss offensive coordinator Joe Sloan but ended up losing his own position instead.

Following Kelly’s exit, running backs coach Frank Wilson has been named interim coach. Athletics director Scott Woodward, who brought Kelly to LSU in 2021 amidst much fanfare, is now under pressure to make another high-profile hire. LSU joins a growing list of programs, including Penn State and Florida, looking for new leadership as the coaching carousel continues to spin. Woodward is noted for having previously hired Jimbo Fisher at Texas A&M, which resulted in a record-breaking $76.8 million buyout.

LSU’s ambition to compete for the College Football Playoff was evident in its significant investment in talent through the transfer portal, leading to the No. 1-ranked recruiting class according to 247Sports. Despite improvements on defense, the offense has been unable to deliver, leading to a lack of consistency and disappointment among fans.

During Kelly’s tenure, the Tigers reached a peak ranking of No. 3 in the AP Top 25, yet they consistently fell short of championship aspirations. The program, which has previously enjoyed success under its last three coaches, faced criticism for failing to capitalize on talent, particularly at the quarterback position, where Jayden Daniels and Garrett Nussmeier showcased their skills.

As Kelly’s coaching career reaches a pivotal moment, questions arise regarding his next steps. At 64 years old, he may have opportunities available but could also benefit from a hiatus. This marks the first time Kelly has been fired, having previously left his roles at Grand Valley State, Central Michigan, Cincinnati, and Notre Dame for new positions. His overall coaching record stands at 297-109-2 with two Division II national championships to his name.

In conclusion, LSU’s decision to move on from Kelly reflects the high stakes and intense pressure associated with college football, where performance is closely scrutinized and expectations are frequently set at championship levels. The program now faces the challenge of finding a successor who can meet those ambitions.