Brian Kelly, the head coach of the LSU Tigers, has made it clear that he has high expectations for his team. After finishing the regular season with an 8-4 record, he expressed his disappointment, emphasizing that this is not the standard at LSU. Coming from Notre Dame, where he had a successful tenure, Kelly is determined to elevate the Tigers to the level of their recent championship-winning coaches: Nick Saban, Les Miles, and Ed Orgeron.
Setting the Standard at LSU
“The standard is the standard here, right?” Kelly stated emphatically. “I didn’t come down here to go 8-4. I’m not happy about 8-4. Nobody in that room is happy about being 8-4.” His frustration is palpable, and it resonates with the fans who expect greatness from their team. Kelly acknowledges the challenges but also highlights the resilience shown by his players. “What they’re happy about is they’ve played well after a three-game losing streak, and they bounced back,” he added.
Despite the ups and downs of the season, Kelly is proud of how his team responded to adversity. “They easily could have fractured, right? Instead, they stuck together, and they stayed committed,” he said. This sense of unity is crucial in a sport where teamwork is everything. The Tigers managed to defeat two formidable opponents, showcasing their potential even in a challenging season.
Looking Ahead to Future Success
With an eye on the future, Kelly is optimistic about what lies ahead for the Tigers. He believes that next year could be the year they break through to the College Football Playoff and compete for a national title. “I’m excited about our future, regardless of what people seem to think,” he remarked. This confidence is essential for a coach looking to build a winning culture.
Even with the expanded playoff format this year, LSU finds itself on the outside looking in. Kelly understands the stakes involved in college football, particularly in the SEC, where competition is fierce. “And the standard at LSU, at Alabama, they’re not happy with three losses at Alabama,” he pointed out. He knows that the expectations are high, and he is ready to meet them.
The Challenge of Expectations
The pressure to succeed at LSU is immense. With a legacy of championship coaches preceding him, Kelly is acutely aware that anything less than excellence may not be accepted by fans and alumni. “Georgia is not happy with two losses. Nobody’s happy when they lose a game,” he said, echoing the sentiment that winning is the only acceptable outcome in this competitive landscape.
Yet, Kelly remains focused on the positives. He praised his team for their grit and determination, emphasizing that the lessons learned from this season will be invaluable moving forward. “This game teaches you lessons about grit and toughness and perseverance and not giving up,” he noted. These qualities are essential for any successful program, and Kelly is committed to instilling them in his players.
Building for the Future
As he reflects on the current season, Kelly is not one to dwell on the past. Instead, he looks forward to building a team that can compete at the highest level. He believes that the foundation is being laid for future success, and he is eager to see how his players develop. “I’ve got the best perspective of that,” he said confidently. “I don’t listen to what you have to say, and we’re going to build it the way we know that we’re going to build it.”
Kelly’s vision for the Tigers is clear, and he is determined to see it through. He wants to create a culture of winning that will not only meet the expectations of the fans but also instill pride in the players. “I’ll see you in the national championship game,” he declared, leaving no doubt about his ambitions for the program.
The Road Ahead
The journey to greatness is rarely a straight path, and Kelly understands that challenges will arise. However, his commitment to excellence and his belief in his players will be crucial as LSU navigates the competitive waters of college football. With the right mindset and determination, the Tigers can rise to the occasion and reclaim their place among the elite.
As the offseason approaches, fans will be watching closely to see how Kelly and his coaching staff prepare for the challenges ahead. Will they be able to turn the tide and bring LSU back to national prominence? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: Brian Kelly is not backing down from the challenge. He is ready to lead the Tigers into a new era of success, and the excitement is palpable. The future is bright for LSU football, and the journey is just beginning.
