Brian Kelly Under Pressure at LSU After Disappointing Start to Season
In his fourth season as head coach of the LSU Tigers, Brian Kelly finds himself facing mounting pressure following a 5-2 start that has fallen short of the program’s lofty expectations. After a promising season-opening victory against then-No. 4 Clemson, the Tigers have stumbled, most recently dropping a surprising 31-24 decision to Vanderbilt on the road. This defeat, coupled with an earlier loss to Ole Miss, has placed Kelly in a precarious position as questions about his ability to lead LSU to championship contention intensify. The early win against Clemson has lost much of its luster as the Tigers’ opponent has struggled to a 3-4 record, further highlighting LSU’s inconsistent performance against quality competition.
Kelly appears well aware of the scrutiny surrounding his program, acknowledging to reporters during a Monday press conference that external critics believe he isn’t meeting expectations. “Some are saying I’m not getting my job done now,” Kelly candidly admitted to The Advocate’s Scott Rabalais. “I get that. But we are working hard every single day to get our football team better.” This public acknowledgment demonstrates Kelly’s understanding of the high standards at LSU, where his tenure has been characterized as “a daily work in progress for four seasons.” The core issue plaguing Kelly’s Tigers has been their inability to consistently perform against the SEC’s elite programs—a significant problem for a team with College Football Playoff aspirations.
The coming weeks represent a critical juncture in Kelly’s LSU career, with back-to-back games against college football powerhouses that could determine his future in Baton Rouge. This Saturday, the Tigers face No. 3 Texas A&M, followed by a matchup with perennial contender No. 4 Alabama on November 8 after a bye week. The stakes couldn’t be higher: LSU likely needs to win both games to remain in the College Football Playoff conversation, but even splitting these contests might not be enough to quiet Kelly’s critics. A poor showing in these high-profile matchups would further cement the narrative that Kelly struggles in the biggest moments against ranked SEC opponents, potentially undermining his position despite having several years remaining on his contract.
Following the disappointing loss to Vanderbilt, Kelly attempted to rally his team with clear messaging about the path forward. He emphasized to his players the need for mistake-free football against Texas A&M, framing the upcoming contest as a pivotal moment in their season. “Then it’s a four-game race to the SEC championship,” Kelly stated, trying to maintain focus on achievable goals despite the setback. “It’s a disappointing loss (to Vandy). There’s no doubt (about) it. But they’ve got to bounce back right to reality and know that they’ve got to play mistake-free against their outstanding A&M team.” This approach highlights Kelly’s effort to maintain team morale while acknowledging the heightened standard of play required against top competition.
The current situation represents a significant crossroads for both Kelly and the LSU program. When the university hired Kelly away from Notre Dame with a massive contract, the expectation was that he would elevate the Tigers to consistent championship contention in the ultra-competitive SEC. While Kelly has maintained a respectable overall record, the program appears stuck in a pattern of competitive but ultimately disappointing performances against the conference’s elite teams. The frustration among the passionate LSU fanbase is palpable, with many questioning whether Kelly can deliver the championship-caliber results that his predecessor Ed Orgeron achieved during the magical 2019 national championship season.
As pressure mounts in Baton Rouge, Kelly faces the challenge of not just winning games but convincing stakeholders that his program is on the right trajectory. The next two weeks will be telling—a strong showing against Texas A&M and Alabama could reinvigorate faith in Kelly’s leadership, while continued struggles might accelerate calls for change despite the financial implications of his long-term contract. For LSU, a program with national championship aspirations and the resources to compete at the highest level, patience may be wearing thin. Kelly’s ability to navigate this crucial stretch will likely determine whether his tenure at LSU continues as a work in progress or faces a premature conclusion. In the unforgiving landscape of SEC football, where expectations are sky-high and memories of recent glory remain fresh, Kelly must demonstrate that he can deliver the elite results that the program and its passionate supporters demand.
