Brian Kelly’s Impact on LSU Football After His Third Season

When Brian Kelly took over as the head coach of LSU football in 2022, he inherited a program with a proud history and a dedicated fan base that demanded success. LSU, a school with four national championships and countless conference titles, has always been a powerhouse in college football, making Kelly’s entry into the program a significant moment in its storied history.

In his first three seasons at the helm, Kelly had a profound impact on the Tigers, guiding them to a national title contention in year two, an impressive 10-win season, and a major bowl appearance in his third season. By the time his third year concluded, Kelly had firmly established his place in LSU’s all-time victories list. This essay will explore his journey and achievements during these seasons, how they compare to past LSU coaches, and his overall legacy as he continues to build his program.

Early Background of Brian Kelly

Before arriving at LSU, Brian Kelly was widely regarded as one of the most successful coaches in college football. His career spanned several successful tenures at Grand Valley State, Central Michigan, and, most notably, at Notre Dame. With the Fighting Irish, Kelly earned a reputation for transforming programs, building successful teams, and competing at the highest levels of college football.

However, his decision to leave Notre Dame after the 2021 season was met with surprise and excitement in Baton Rouge, as LSU was in the midst of a rebuilding phase following the tumultuous tenure of Ed Orgeron. Kelly’s reputation for consistency, discipline, and strong leadership qualities made him an appealing choice to return LSU to national prominence. His first three seasons at LSU would prove to be critical in both shaping his legacy and establishing his place among the greats in LSU coaching history.

The First Season (2022): Building a Foundation

Brian Kelly’s first season at LSU was not without its challenges. Inheriting a team with significant turnover, including a large number of transfer portal additions and key departures, Kelly had to quickly instill his systems and philosophy while dealing with an immediate need for roster cohesion. Despite these obstacles, LSU exceeded many expectations.

The Tigers finished the 2022 season with a 10-4 record, including a victory in the Citrus Bowl. Notably, Kelly led LSU to an SEC West title, a remarkable achievement considering the roster turnover and the relative youth of the team. The season featured signature wins, including an upset of Alabama in Tiger Stadium, which was one of the defining moments of Kelly’s first season. This victory not only lifted the spirits of the LSU faithful but also solidified Kelly’s standing as a coach who could deliver when the stakes were highest.

At the close of the 2022 season, Kelly’s 10 wins placed him in a strong position within LSU’s all-time victory list. While his first-year win total did not rank among the program’s all-time greats, it was an impressive showing that laid the groundwork for future success.

The Second Season (2023): Contending for National Honors

Kelly’s second season was a watershed moment for both him and the LSU program. The Tigers entered the season with heightened expectations after the progress made in year one, and Kelly responded by leading LSU to a 12-2 record, culminating in a New Year’s Six Bowl appearance and an SEC Championship Game berth.

This season featured several high-profile wins, including a dramatic victory over Ole Miss and a thrilling, late-season rivalry win over Texas A&M. Most notably, LSU’s season ended with a College Football Playoff appearance, which marked the first time in the modern era that the program had reached the playoff under a new head coach.

Kelly’s ability to elevate LSU back to elite status in just two seasons was a testament to his leadership and recruiting acumen. His 12-win season catapulted him further up the all-time wins list, and by the end of 2023, Kelly had become one of the most successful coaches in LSU history in terms of win totals over the first two seasons.

The LSU Tigers’ rise under Kelly in 2023 was a clear indication that the program was back on track. Kelly’s coaching prowess and ability to motivate players to exceed expectations reflected a commitment to excellence. As of the conclusion of the 2023 season, Kelly had accrued 22 wins, an impressive total for any head coach in their first two seasons.

The Third Season (2024): Establishing Dominance

In his third season, Kelly and LSU reached a level of dominance that was once expected of the Tigers in their prime years. The 2024 season was perhaps the most polished and consistent season for Kelly, as LSU posted another 11-win season, including marquee victories over several top-ranked opponents. LSU’s performance demonstrated not only the team’s ability to compete at a high level but also Kelly’s skill at managing expectations and continuing to develop his players year after year.

The third season also saw the emergence of key players who would become cornerstones for the future, and Kelly’s recruiting classes continued to pay dividends, securing some of the best talent in the country. The success of the 2024 campaign underscored Kelly’s growth as a coach and his understanding of the LSU program and its traditions.

By the end of his third season, Kelly’s overall win total at LSU stood at 33 victories. This placed him solidly in the middle of LSU’s all-time coaching ranks, with a trajectory that indicated he could soon rank among the program’s top 10 coaches in terms of total wins.

Comparing Kelly’s Early Success with Past LSU Coaches

To fully understand Brian Kelly’s position on LSU’s all-time victories list, it’s important to compare his achievements through three seasons with those of past LSU head coaches. The list of LSU’s greatest coaches is an impressive one, including figures such as Nick Saban, Les Miles, and Charles McClendon.

1. Nick Saban: Saban’s time at LSU, though brief, was marked by unprecedented success. He led the Tigers to a national championship in 2003 and accumulated a 48-16 record in five seasons before moving on to Alabama. His success at LSU was foundational for the modern era of LSU football, and he remains one of the program’s most revered figures.
2. Les Miles: Miles, who succeeded Saban, had an incredibly successful tenure, capturing a national championship in 2007 and building LSU into a perennial powerhouse. Miles’ overall record at LSU was 114-34, and he won two SEC championships during his 12 years with the program. Miles’ ability to recruit, develop players, and manage the complexities of the SEC was central to LSU’s sustained success.
3. Charles McClendon: McClendon is another legendary figure in LSU history, having served as head coach from 1962 to 1979. With 137 wins, McClendon was the longest-tenured head coach in LSU history until Les Miles surpassed him. McClendon’s tenure saw LSU become a competitive force in the SEC and national football landscape.

In comparison, Kelly’s 33 victories after three seasons place him in excellent company. His win total is reflective of the program’s ability to maintain success even after coaching changes, and it demonstrates Kelly’s efficiency in rebuilding and improving the team. If Kelly continues on his current trajectory, he is poised to surpass many LSU coaching legends on the all-time victories list in the coming years.

Brian Kelly’s Legacy and Future at LSU

While Brian Kelly’s first three years have been remarkable, his legacy at LSU will ultimately be defined by sustained success. The program has high expectations, and the Tigers will continue to demand excellence as they compete for SEC championships and national titles.

Kelly has already proven that he is capable of handling the pressure of leading LSU back to national relevance. His ability to recruit, develop talent, and create a winning culture has transformed LSU into one of the top programs in the country once again. Moreover, Kelly’s success in recruiting top-tier talent—particularly in Louisiana—has positioned LSU to remain competitive for the foreseeable future.

In terms of all-time victories, Kelly is on a path to challenge the best coaches in LSU history. His achievements over his first three years suggest that he could eventually surpass 100 wins at LSU, and with continued success, he may find himself among the top five all-time coaching leaders in the program.