In a shocking turn of events, LSU fired head coach Brian Kelly midway through his fourth season. This move came after a rough loss to Texas A&M, marking Kelly’s third defeat of the 2025 season.
LSU started the season with high hopes and a big win against Clemson. But their national championship dreams went off the rails pretty fast.
This article digs into why LSU let Kelly go, who might replace him, and what it all means for players and recruits.
Brian Kelly’s Tenure at LSU
Brian Kelly leaving LSU is a big deal in college football. He left Notre Dame for LSU, hoping to finally win an FBS national championship, but never even made the College Football Playoff while in Baton Rouge.
Kelly’s first season looked promising—he grabbed a division title in 2022. But he never finished higher than 13th in the final CFP rankings.
Performance and Challenges
Kelly finished at LSU with a 34-14 record, but he lost multiple SEC games every year. He became the first LSU coach since Gerry DiNardo in 1999 not to win a national championship.
The recent blowout loss to Texas A&M, where LSU gave up 35 unanswered points, really sealed his fate.
Potential Coaching Candidates
Now that Kelly’s out, LSU’s head coaching job is one of the hottest in college football. There are already some big names floating around as possible replacements.
Here are a few of the top contenders:
Lane Kiffin
Lane Kiffin, currently leading Ole Miss, is right at the top of LSU’s wish list. He’s got Ole Miss in the running for their first CFP appearance this season.
Kiffin knows the SEC inside and out, and the recruiting power at LSU could be a game-changer for him.
Jon Sumrall
Tulane’s head coach, Jon Sumrall, is another strong option. He’s led Tulane to a 15-6 record and understands Louisiana recruiting better than most.
Sumrall’s experience as an assistant at Tulane, plus his time at Troy and Kentucky, makes him a solid candidate.
Marcus Freeman
Marcus Freeman, head coach at Notre Dame, is in the mix too. Freeman just led Notre Dame to a national championship game last season and has built a reputation as a top young coach.
If he moved to LSU, it’d be a pretty big story, especially with his past connection to the program.
Brent Key
Brent Key, running the show at Georgia Tech, could be another name to watch. He’s got Georgia Tech fighting for an ACC title and a possible CFP spot.
Key’s experience in the Southeast and his success at Georgia Tech make him a real possibility for LSU.
Eliah Drinkwitz
Eliah Drinkwitz from Missouri is also on the radar. He’s built up a respected program at Missouri and has a strong record since 2024.
Drinkwitz is known for his aggressive recruiting and offensive creativity, which could fit well at LSU.
Impact on Players and Recruits
This coaching change is bound to shake up things for LSU’s current players and recruits. The Tigers have plenty of talent on the roster and more lined up in the pipeline.
Here are some key names to keep an eye on:
Current Players
- CB DJ Pickett: Five-star true freshman Pickett has quickly turned into one of LSU’s best defenders. Other programs will probably try to lure him through the transfer portal.
- TE Trey’Dez Green: Sophomore Trey’Dez Green is a huge part of LSU’s offense. His size and speed make him a real weapon.
- LB Whit Weeks: First-team All-SEC linebacker Weeks faces a big decision—head to the NFL draft or return for his senior year.
- RB Harlem Berry: The top running back recruit in the 2025 class, Berry has looked impressive as a freshman.
- OT Carius Curne: Freshman lineman Curne has shown flashes, even while dealing with injuries.
Top Recruits
- DT Lamar Brown: The No. 1 overall recruit in 2025, Brown’s commitment is huge for LSU. Other schools will almost certainly try to flip him.
- DE Trenton Henderson: Henderson, a top-100 defensive end, is another critical piece for LSU’s future.
- WR Jabari Mack: Highly-rated receiver Mack is key to keeping LSU’s offense loaded.
If you want more details about the coaching candidates, player impact, or recruiting fallout, check out the full story on ESPN.
The Road Ahead for LSU
LSU’s decision to move on from Brian Kelly kicks off a new era for the program. The hunt for a new head coach will draw plenty of eyes, and the right hire could put LSU back on top fast.
With all the talent and resources at LSU, there’s no reason they can’t bounce back in a big way—if they play their cards right.
Conclusion
Brian Kelly’s firing marks a huge turning point for LSU football. The next move from the program feels like it could shape their future for years.
LSU fans—and honestly, pretty much the whole college football world—are watching to see who steps in as the next head coach. Who’s going to lead the Tigers back to the top? Guess we’ll find out soon enough.
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