“It wasn’t disappointing”: Brian Kelly Boasts of Overcoming Setbacks and Preserving LSU’s Illustrious History
Brian Kelly’s tenure at LSU has been anything but ordinary. When he took the reins as head coach of the Tigers in 2022, many fans and pundits questioned whether he could live up to the storied tradition of LSU football. The Tigers, known for their rich history and passionate fanbase, had experienced a tumultuous period following the departure of former head coach Ed Orgeron, which left an undeniable shadow over the program. However, despite a myriad of challenges, Kelly’s first season at LSU turned out to be a resounding success. As Kelly himself succinctly put it, “It wasn’t disappointing.”
Brian Kelly’s journey to LSU has been defined by resilience, determination, and a consistent drive to maintain excellence. Before stepping into the spotlight in Baton Rouge, Kelly had already built an impressive resume with his time at Notre Dame, where he cemented his place as one of the top college football coaches in the nation. But his move to LSU marked a new chapter—one filled with expectations, adversity, and ultimately, triumph.
Navigating Setbacks and Challenges
When Kelly arrived at LSU, the Tigers were in a state of transition. Ed Orgeron’s departure, coupled with a series of off-field distractions, left the team in a position where a complete overhaul was necessary. LSU’s football program had been one of the most dominant forces in college football, with multiple national championships, including one in 2019 under Orgeron. However, the years that followed saw a decline in performance, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, which disrupted team dynamics and recruiting efforts.
The 2021 season, which was Orgeron’s last, was a particularly challenging year. LSU finished with a subpar 6-7 record, signaling that the program was at a crossroads. With high expectations from the LSU faithful, the pressure was on Brian Kelly to turn things around quickly.
Kelly’s first season as head coach came during a year when the college football landscape was shifting. The transfer portal, NIL deals, and increased competition from rival programs made recruiting a more complex and competitive process than ever before. Kelly had to rebuild LSU’s roster, re-establish the team’s culture, and implement his own system—all while facing a tough SEC schedule.
However, rather than being discouraged by these setbacks, Kelly embraced them. He was determined not to let the challenges define his time at LSU. In fact, his resilience in the face of adversity is what sets him apart as a leader. Kelly is no stranger to rebuilding programs. He had previously done so at Cincinnati and Notre Dame, but LSU presented a different challenge altogether. The high expectations and intense scrutiny were unlike anything he had experienced before, but Kelly was undeterred.
Rebuilding LSU: The Road to Success
From the outset, Kelly made it clear that his goal was to restore LSU to its rightful place among the elite programs in college football. His approach was methodical and pragmatic, focusing on building a solid foundation before seeking immediate success. Kelly was quick to implement a rigorous culture and high standards of accountability, emphasizing discipline, hard work, and commitment.
One of Kelly’s first major tasks was addressing the team’s quarterback situation. After a period of instability under center, LSU needed a leader to guide the offense. Kelly brought in transfer quarterback Jayden Daniels from Arizona State, a move that would prove crucial to the team’s success. Daniels brought a dynamic dual-threat ability to the position, providing the Tigers with an athletic and versatile leader. His poise and playmaking ability were instrumental in LSU’s rise, and Kelly’s decision to trust him early on proved to be one of his most important decisions.
Kelly also navigated a significant turnover in the roster. With so many players leaving via the transfer portal and new recruits coming in, Kelly had to adjust his coaching style to fit a roster that was in flux. This required not only evaluating talent but also building relationships with players who were still finding their footing in the program. Kelly’s emphasis on team chemistry and leadership was a key factor in turning around LSU’s fortunes.
Throughout the season, Kelly’s leadership was tested. The Tigers faced several difficult games, including a matchup with Alabama, which had been a formidable force in the SEC for over a decade. Despite the challenges, Kelly remained confident in his team’s ability to compete at the highest level. He kept a level head in the face of adversity, ensuring that his players remained focused on the task at hand.
One of the most defining moments of Kelly’s first season at LSU came in the SEC West showdown against Alabama. In a thrilling game that came down to the wire, LSU pulled off a dramatic 32-31 victory in overtime, a win that sent shockwaves through the college football world. It was a testament to Kelly’s ability to inspire and motivate his team to overcome the odds, and it proved that LSU was back on the national stage.
Preserving LSU’s Legacy
Kelly’s success in 2022 was not just about the victories on the field, but also about preserving and building upon LSU’s rich football legacy. LSU’s history is one of greatness, with iconic players and legendary coaches like Nick Saban, Les Miles, and Orgeron leading the team to national prominence. Kelly understood the importance of honoring that legacy while also forging his own path.
Throughout his first season, Kelly made sure to embrace the traditions and values that made LSU such a beloved program. Whether it was the passionate Tiger Stadium atmosphere, the legendary “Death Valley” reputation, or the pride of the LSU faithful, Kelly was determined to keep those traditions alive. He worked to ensure that the team remained committed to excellence, both on and off the field.
Kelly also recognized the importance of recruiting in maintaining LSU’s status as a football powerhouse. LSU has consistently been able to attract top talent from across the country, and Kelly wasted no time in re-establishing connections with high school coaches and prospects. By focusing on a balanced approach to recruiting, combining high school talent with the best players from the transfer portal, Kelly was able to build a roster capable of competing at the highest level.
Additionally, Kelly’s ability to adapt to the ever-evolving nature of college football was evident in his approach to NIL deals and the transfer portal. While many coaches were still figuring out how to navigate these new dynamics, Kelly was proactive in ensuring that LSU players had the resources and support they needed to thrive in the modern college football landscape.
The Future of LSU Football
As Brian Kelly reflects on his first season at LSU, he can be proud of the progress his team has made. The Tigers finished the 2022 season with a solid 10-4 record, a remarkable turnaround given the challenges the program had faced in the previous year. LSU earned a spot in the Citrus Bowl, where they triumphed over Purdue, further solidifying Kelly’s reputation as a capable leader who knows how to get the best out of his players.
Looking ahead, the future of LSU football under Kelly’s leadership appears bright. With a strong foundation in place, Kelly has the opportunity to continue building the Tigers into a perennial contender in the SEC and on the national stage. The recruiting pipeline is stocked with talent, and the program is poised to compete for SEC titles and national championships in the coming years.
For Kelly, the journey is far from over. While he can take pride in his accomplishments so far, he remains focused on the task ahead: continuing to elevate LSU football and preserving the program’s legacy of excellence. As he has demonstrated time and time again, setbacks are not obstacles to be feared—they are opportunities for growth and success.
In the end, Brian Kelly’s success at LSU is a testament to his resilience, his ability to adapt, and his commitment to upholding the traditions of one of college football’s most storied programs. As he continues to build LSU into a powerhouse, one thing is clear: it wasn’t disappointing at all. It was just the beginning.
