Bad News for LSU Fans: Despite Calls for Brian Kelly’s Firing, It Seems Unlikely
For LSU football fans, the frustrations with head coach Brian Kelly are palpable. Since he arrived in Baton Rouge in 2021, expectations have been high, with LSU eager to return to the upper echelon of college football under Kelly’s leadership. However, after a promising debut season in 2022, the Tigers’ performance has been inconsistent, leading to growing discontent among the fanbase. Many supporters are clamoring for a coaching change, but despite the outcry, it seems unlikely that LSU will part ways with Kelly anytime soon.
This article explores the reasons why, despite the increasing calls for his firing, Brian Kelly’s position is secure—at least for the time being—and why LSU fans may have to contend with a longer wait for change than they expect.
1. The Financial Reality: A Buyout No One Wants
One of the most significant reasons why LSU will likely keep Kelly around for the time being is the financial burden of firing him. Kelly’s contract, signed in 2021, is a monumental deal worth $100 million over 10 years. The buyout clause alone is a massive deterrent, potentially exceeding $70 million if LSU were to dismiss him prematurely.
Even for a program as rich as LSU, this is an amount that cannot be ignored. When you factor in the cost of hiring a high-profile replacement, the overall financial hit would be unsustainable, especially in a sport where coaching turnover can be costly. In addition, LSU is already dealing with significant investments in facilities and NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) programs, which have taken priority in recent years. As such, the buyout situation creates a substantial roadblock for fans hoping to see a coaching change in the near future.
Athletic Director Scott Woodward has already stated that Kelly’s performance will be evaluated after the 2024 season. The reality is, unless LSU suffers a complete collapse or fails to show measurable improvement, Woodward may be unwilling to pull the trigger on a firing, given the enormous financial ramifications  .
2. The Timeframe Argument: Patience in College Football
Another critical factor that makes Kelly’s firing unlikely is the notion of administrative patience. LSU’s leadership, including Woodward, has consistently emphasized the importance of giving coaches time to implement their systems, particularly when they inherit a team with deep-rooted challenges. Kelly was brought in to restore LSU to national prominence, and it’s widely accepted in college football circles that year three is a pivotal moment for head coaches.
Many coaches—especially those taking over high-profile programs—don’t hit their stride until the third year. This is often the point where they have recruited a class of players who fit their system, developed team chemistry, and ironed out many of the kinks from their first two seasons. Despite the vocal frustration from LSU’s fanbase, the administration may still give Kelly a chance to turn things around before making any drastic decisions.
While some fans may view this as an unacceptable delay, the belief is that patience now could yield long-term dividends. LSU’s board and athletic department are likely looking at Kelly’s tenure through a broader lens, understanding that change often takes time. Thus, firing him after just three seasons—despite some clear issues—could send the wrong message about the program’s stability .
3. The Lack of Elite Coaching Candidates
Another barrier to Kelly’s firing is the uncertainty surrounding who would replace him. LSU is not only looking for a coach who can win now but also someone who fits into the program’s culture and can recruit at a national level. High-profile coaching changes, such as those at major programs like Alabama or Ohio State, often come with immediate candidates ready to step in and maintain a program’s level of excellence. However, that’s not necessarily the case at LSU.
Given that Kelly’s contract is structured for long-term stability, finding a suitable replacement might not be as easy as fans might hope. While some high-profile names could be floating in the rumor mill—such as those linked to other prestigious SEC programs or NFL teams—many of these candidates might not be interested in stepping into a high-pressure environment like LSU, especially given the uncertainties surrounding the program’s future. Furthermore, with a major buyout looming, potential coaching candidates may be hesitant to leave their current programs for a situation with considerable financial risks.
Even if Woodward were to consider a coaching change, the challenge of landing a top-tier replacement could make him more inclined to let Kelly continue for at least another year or two. The last thing LSU wants is to enter another coaching search only to find that the pool of candidates is thin or filled with risky options .
4. The Perception of Improvement and Potential
Despite the fan discontent, there have been signs of improvement under Kelly. LSU’s offense has shown significant growth, especially in quarterback play, with Garrett Nussmeier emerging as a promising leader. Despite recent losses and defensive struggles, there is a sense that Kelly’s offensive philosophy could lead the program to greater success if given time to fine-tune the team.
Some of LSU’s key recruits in recent years—like wide receiver Aaron Anderson and running back Josh Williams—have shown flashes of brilliance, suggesting that Kelly’s recruiting and development are moving in the right direction. As the Tigers continue to integrate more of Kelly’s players into the starting lineup, there is hope that these pieces will come together in the 2024 season.
This growing optimism, especially on offense, may be enough to persuade the administration that Kelly is on the right track. In an era where teams with explosive offenses are becoming the norm, LSU may still believe that Kelly can lead them to SEC dominance, despite the frustrations over defensive inconsistencies .
5. The Reality of SEC Competition
The SEC is arguably the toughest conference in college football, and LSU fans have become accustomed to a standard of excellence that is difficult to maintain in such a competitive environment. In recent seasons, Alabama, Georgia, and even teams like Ole Miss have posed stiff challenges. While LSU has had success against some of these teams, it’s evident that the competition is fierce, and Kelly’s Tigers have yet to consistently close the gap.
This reality has likely tempered expectations at LSU’s administration level. While the fanbase expects national championships and dominant seasons, the landscape of college football has shifted. Recruiting battles are tougher than ever, NIL money is playing a significant role, and top players are more likely to transfer out if their team is struggling. Given these challenges, Woodward and the LSU administration might be more inclined to give Kelly the time he needs to recruit and adapt than to make an emotional decision based on fan sentiment .
Conclusion: Fans Will Have to Wait for Change
Despite the growing calls for Brian Kelly’s dismissal, it appears that LSU fans are in for a frustrating wait. Between the financial realities of his massive buyout, the administration’s desire for long-term stability, and the fact that major coaching changes rarely produce instant results, it’s unlikely that Kelly will be fired anytime soon.
For now, LSU will have to ride out the remainder of Kelly’s contract, hoping for the improvements that he and the administration continue to promise. The fanbase may continue to be vocal in their discontent, but the Tigers’ leadership is likely to stay patient with their coach, holding out hope that the program will eventually live up to the expectations set when Kelly was hired.