The LSU football team suffered another season-opening defeat, marking an 0-3 record in openers during Brian Kelly’s tenure at LSU. While most fans have maintained a level-headed approach, a significant portion of LSU supporters and observers believe that Brian Kelly might not be the right fit for the program and that the Tigers should consider making a change.
Kelly has yet to meet the high expectations at LSU, with a 3-6 record against top 25 teams over the past two seasons. However, firing Kelly is far from straightforward due to the complexity of his situation. The primary obstacle is Kelly’s hefty contract, which includes a buyout exceeding $60 million.
Removing Kelly could severely impact this recruiting success and likely trigger a wave of player transfers, placing the next coach in a difficult position.
The Tigers still have the opportunity to secure a playoff spot by winning the SEC, which would involve victories over Alabama, Ole Miss, and Oklahoma, along with handling the rest of their schedule effectively.
Kelly’s third season with LSU started off poorly with a 27–20 loss to the USC Trojans in Week 1 of the 2024 season. His emotional outburst at the post-game press conference drew criticism, with many feeling he overreacted. On Tuesday, Kelly addressed his reaction on Paul Finebaum’s show, explaining that his outburst stemmed from frustration and a desire to convey his dissatisfaction with the game’s outcome. He humorously dismissed concerns about his physical well-being, noting his lack of strength to break anything significant.
Kelly’s outburst was intended to show his players and staff that he was deeply disappointed with the performance. LSU’s upcoming game against Nicholls will reveal whether Kelly’s message had the desired effect and if the team can bounce back.