It’s Possible That Brian Kelly’s Time at LSU Was Marked by Missed Opportunities and Unmet Expectations
When Brian Kelly was hired as LSU’s head coach in December 2021, expectations were sky-high. As a proven winner at Notre Dame, Kelly was tasked with restoring LSU to national prominence, following the rapid decline that ensued after Ed Orgeron’s magical 2019 championship season. With a lucrative 10-year, $95 million contract, LSU’s administration signaled a strong belief that Kelly was the right man for the job. However, despite flashes of brilliance, his tenure has been a mixed bag, characterized by inconsistencies, key losses, and an inability to capitalize on crucial moments. In retrospect, it’s possible that Kelly’s time in Baton Rouge was marked more by missed opportunities and unmet expectations than by sustained success.
High Expectations and a Strong Start
When Kelly arrived at LSU, he inherited a program in transition. The Tigers had stumbled through the 2020 and 2021 seasons, finishing with a combined 11-12 record. Despite the struggles, LSU still boasted elite-level talent, and many believed that with Kelly’s disciplined approach, the program would quickly return to championship contention.
Kelly’s first season in 2022 provided reasons for optimism. LSU finished with a 10-4 record, including a signature win over Alabama, which appeared to be a turning point. That victory, coupled with an SEC West division title, suggested that Kelly had the program ahead of schedule. However, the season ended with a disappointing loss to Georgia in the SEC Championship Game, exposing the gap between LSU and the elite teams in the country. Still, the Tigers capped the year with a Citrus Bowl victory, finishing ranked inside the top 20. Many hoped this was the foundation for greater things to come.
Missed Opportunities in Year Two
If 2022 was about laying the groundwork, 2023 was supposed to be the year LSU truly competed for a national championship. Led by Heisman-winning quarterback Jayden Daniels, LSU entered the season with high hopes and a roster loaded with talent on offense. However, cracks quickly emerged, particularly on defense.
The season-opening loss to Florida State was an early warning sign. LSU was outplayed in the second half, raising questions about the team’s ability to perform on the big stage. Despite bouncing back with a string of wins, including a road victory over Missouri, the Tigers faltered in key matchups, notably against Alabama and Ole Miss. The loss to Alabama was particularly frustrating, as it effectively eliminated LSU from SEC title contention and highlighted the program’s struggles against Nick Saban-led teams.
Additionally, while Daniels had a stellar season, ultimately winning the Heisman Trophy, the defense was a glaring weakness throughout the year. Kelly’s inability to fix defensive lapses cost LSU dearly, turning what could have been a special season into another campaign of what-ifs. The Tigers finished the year with a respectable record but failed to meet championship aspirations.
Recruiting Success But Roster Gaps
One of Kelly’s strengths has always been recruiting, and at LSU, he continued to bring in highly rated classes. However, despite landing top-tier talent, the Tigers failed to develop a dominant defense. This issue was particularly glaring in 2023, when LSU’s offense was among the best in the country, but the defense frequently let them down in big moments.
The inability to maintain balance across both sides of the ball was a stark contrast to LSU’s 2019 championship team, which boasted a historic offense but also a strong defense led by future NFL stars. Kelly’s teams, however, often lacked that complementary balance. Whether it was coaching, player development, or scheme issues, LSU never quite became a complete team under his leadership.
Struggles Against Elite Competition
One of the biggest criticisms of Kelly’s tenure at LSU was his struggles against top-tier opponents. While the win over Alabama in 2022 was a high point, Kelly’s overall record against elite SEC competition was underwhelming. Losses to Alabama, Georgia, and even divisional rivals like Ole Miss and Texas A&M proved costly.
These defeats were particularly frustrating because they came in games where LSU had the talent to compete but failed to execute in critical moments. Whether it was defensive breakdowns, questionable coaching decisions, or a lack of depth, LSU often fell short when it mattered most.
Cultural Fit and Fan Expectations
Another lingering question throughout Kelly’s tenure was his cultural fit at LSU. Coming from Notre Dame, a program with a very different atmosphere, Kelly’s transition to the deep South was always going to be scrutinized. While he made an effort to embrace LSU’s traditions, there were times when he appeared out of sync with the passionate fanbase.
LSU fans expect their team to compete for championships regularly, and while Kelly made progress, he didn’t deliver the kind of immediate success that many had hoped for. His no-nonsense, businesslike approach sometimes clashed with the high-energy culture that defines LSU football. While this wasn’t necessarily a dealbreaker, it may have contributed to a perception that he wasn’t the perfect long-term fit for the program.
What Could Have Been
As Kelly’s tenure at LSU is evaluated in hindsight, it’s clear that while he made strides, the program never fully reached the heights expected under his leadership. The foundation for success was there, particularly on offense, but the defensive struggles and inability to capitalize on key opportunities ultimately defined his time in Baton Rouge.
It’s possible that with a few different outcomes—perhaps a stronger showing in big games or a more balanced roster—Kelly’s time at LSU could have been remembered more favorably. However, college football is a results-driven business, and at a powerhouse program like LSU, near misses aren’t enough.
In the end, while Brian Kelly brought stability and some excitement back to LSU, his tenure may be remembered as a case of what could have been rather than what was truly achieved.