Brian Kelly didn’t feel any disappointment with the way 2024 went down for the LSU Tigers, and he made sure to point that out after a 13-point win over the Baylor Bears in the Texas Bowl. While Kelly’s program fell short of their championship aspirations this past season, they still won nine games and capped their campaign off with a solid win in an important bowl game. After the game, Kelly decided to push back on the cynics, believing LSU’s accomplishments over the past few months were nothing to scoff at.
Reflecting on the Season
“It’s been really fun to coach this team,” Kelly stated during his postgame press conference. “I know, you know, cynics would say it was disappointing. It wasn’t disappointing. It was a team that was less than perfect because of inexperience. A team that gained experience. We still played with six true freshmen and a redshirt freshman most of the time on defense. And they kept battling. So, you know, to win nine games and win three in a row at the end — just happy for our football team.”
Alas, it’s evident Kelly was happy to close the book on the 2024 campaign with a win, but the Tigers will be looking for more in 2025. Championships are the standard at LSU, and watching his former team in Notre Dame make it to the College Football Playoff National Championship Game has to grind the coach’s gears a bit. Regardless, Brian Kelly is focused on LSU, and doing everything he can to deliver a title to the Tigers. Perhaps 2025 will be a fruitful season for the program, as they look to establish themselves as one of the top teams in the SEC.
Celebrating the Team’s Resilience
“Again, you know, the nine guys that came back and finished what they started, and I have—look, I’m 100% behind the guys that didn’t play, for whatever the reasons are. They’re valid. But the nine that were here, I want to be able to trumpet them as well, because finishing what you start is important as well, so happy with the victory,” Kelly added, emphasizing the importance of perseverance and teamwork.
Notre Dame’s Championship Run
After spending 12 seasons at Notre Dame, head coach Brian Kelly left the program in 2021 and accepted an offer to take over at LSU. In April 2022, Kelly explained his decision to move on from Notre Dame: “I want to be in an environment where I have the resources to win a national championship.” Fast forward to now, and three years since Kelly left the Fighting Irish, Notre Dame will compete in the national championship game. Meanwhile, LSU finished the 2024 season 9-4, its worst record under Kelly. It couldn’t be a sweeter scenario for Notre Dame fans.
Fans Remind Kelly of His Words
They surely haven’t forgotten Kelly’s comments. As the Fighting Irish have made their run through the College Football Playoffs this past month, the Notre Dame faithful haven’t been shy to remind Kelly of his aforementioned quote. “My relationship with Brian Kelly is very close. He comes on the show every Monday,” said Paul Finebaum. “He’s likable, but he used to be very surly, and when he was at Notre Dame, he was not that likable.”
Finebaum continued, “He had that 28-point blowout against Alabama in the [2012] national championship game. He had two other inexplicable playoff appearances, and I understand his frustration. It’s also, you’ve been in a place for a long time, and it’s just not the same. And to me, he made a good decision, but it’s one of those situations where the words will haunt him.”
Looking Ahead to 2025
As LSU prepares for the upcoming season, the focus will be on building a stronger team and addressing the shortcomings of 2024. With a roster that includes young talent, the Tigers have the potential to grow and improve. The experience gained this past season should serve as a valuable lesson, and Kelly’s leadership will be crucial in guiding the team forward. The SEC is a competitive landscape, and LSU aims to reclaim its status among the elite.
“Having been around a lot of Notre Dame fans this year, I was with them all week in New Orleans a week ago — I mean, they are getting as much joy out of winning as they are rubbing it in Brian Kelly’s face,” Finebaum noted, highlighting the ongoing narrative surrounding Kelly’s departure from Notre Dame. The rivalry and comparisons will continue to fuel discussions as both programs strive for success.
The Road Ahead for LSU
In the end, Brian Kelly’s journey with the LSU Tigers is just beginning. The 2024 season may not have met the lofty expectations, but the foundation for future success is being laid. With a mix of experienced players and fresh talent, the Tigers are poised to make a significant impact in the SEC. The upcoming season will be a test of resilience, determination, and the ability to learn from past experiences.
As fans eagerly anticipate what lies ahead, one thing is clear: the passion for college football runs deep, and the journey of the LSU Tigers under Brian Kelly is far from over. With a renewed focus and determination, the Tigers aim to rise to the occasion and bring home the championship that has eluded them. The excitement for the 2025 season is building, and fans can’t wait to see what unfolds on the gridiron.
