An inside look at Brian Kelly’s short-lived, failed tenure at LSU

After reaching unprecedented heights coaching the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, Brian Kelly has agreed to take on a new challenge in the Southeastern Conference.

Kelly signed a lucrative 10-year contract with LSU in December 2021. The brave and often brash coach was tasked with bringing another national championship to the proud football program.

When we look at the last three head coaches at LSU (Ed Orgeron, Les Miles and Nick Saban), we see that all three completed their fourth seasons by lifting the national championship trophy.

Not only did Kelly fail to get the Tigers ready for the College Football Playoff, but his fourth season at the helm ended prematurely. On Sunday, LSU athletic director Scott Woodward announced that the school had decided to part ways with Kelly.

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Woodward was fired Thursday after being criticized by Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry.

On the fallout from Kelly’s unceremonious departure, people associated with LSU during the polarizing coach’s tenure are speaking out.

While Kelly managed to reach double-digit wins in each of his first two seasons in Baton Rouge, current and former players took issue with his seemingly hands-off approach and failure to build strong relationships.

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A group of unnamed LSU employees said: Athletic Kelly sometimes had trouble remembering the full names of some of the players he coached.

“[LSU’s rivals would] Use this against us: ‘Guys who will never talk to you. “He doesn’t even know the players’ names,” a staff member told the outlet.

LSU head coach Brian Kelly walks on the sideline during the second half of a game against Texas A&M on Oct. 25, 2025 in Baton Rouge, La. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)

A staff member also accused Kelly of destroying LSU’s culture and failing to fully grasp the differences between an SEC program and what he was accustomed to while finding success at Notre Dame.

“He really ripped out the culture of this place. You know this is no ordinary place, man,” the LSU employee said.

Kelly’s representatives could not be reached for comment.

LSU head coach Brian Kelly watches from the sidelines during the second half of the game against Alabama on Nov. 9, 2024, in Baton Rouge, La. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)

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Normally packed and noisy, Tiger Stadium was nearly empty during the final quarter of LSU’s blowout loss to Texas A&M on Saturday. Kelly met with Woodward and then the players on Sunday.

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