LSU has announced that it has parted ways with head coach Brian Kelly after two seasons at the helm and signed franchise icon and former QB as the new head coach.
In a stunning move, LSU has announced that it has parted ways with head coach Brian Kelly after two seasons at the helm. The decision comes after a season filled with high expectations and mixed results, prompting the university to reassess the direction of its football program.
Kelly, who took over as head coach in 2022, led LSU to a remarkable turnaround in his first season, reaching the SEC Championship game and revitalizing the Tigers’ recruiting efforts. However, a series of disappointing losses this season, combined with ongoing concerns over team consistency and performance, appear to have led to the decision to move on.
“We appreciate Brian’s contributions to LSU football and his efforts to bring the program back to prominence,” LSU athletic director Scott Woodward said in a statement. “However, after careful evaluation, we believe it is in the best interest of LSU football to begin a new chapter. We are grateful for Brian’s work here and wish him the best in his future endeavors.”
Kelly’s departure marks the end of a brief but eventful tenure at LSU. After a successful run at Notre Dame, where he became the winningest coach in school history, Kelly was hired by LSU in an effort to reinvigorate the program. His early success, which included winning the SEC West Division and making a run in the College Football Playoff, was overshadowed by an underwhelming second season.
Despite being one of the most high-profile hires in LSU’s recent history, Kelly’s departure is seen as a crucial decision in the long-term success of the program. The school is expected to cast a wide net in its search for a new head coach, with speculation mounting about potential candidates.
Among the names being floated as possible replacements are Ole Miss head coach Lane Kiffin, known for his offensive creativity and success in the SEC; Penn State’s James Franklin, who has consistently kept his teams competitive in the Big Ten; and Oregon’s Dan Lanning, a rising star with a strong defensive pedigree. The Tigers may also look into NFL candidates or other established head coaches looking for a new challenge.
The search for a new coach is expected to be swift, with LSU hoping to secure a leader who can restore the program to national title contention. In the meantime, assistant coaches and staff will take over the day-to-day operations of the team.
The decision to fire Brian Kelly ends an era of high hopes and mixed execution. As LSU prepares for its next chapter, the question remains: who will be the coach to lead the Tigers back to glory?
Stay tuned as LSU’s coaching search unfolds.