A much-anticipated season in Baton Rouge that started with promise has quickly spiraled into turmoil for the LSU Tigers. Currently sitting just two games above .500, the team’s struggles have been compounded by the recent decision of a highly rated recruit to decommit from the program. As murmurs of a potential departure for head coach Brian Kelly grow louder, the question remains: where do things stand, and what lies ahead for this storied program?
A promising 2023 season goes awry for LSU in 2024
The 2023 season was nothing short of spectacular for LSU, as the Tigers clinched 10 wins and secured a spot in a New Year’s Day bowl game. The campaign was highlighted by the emergence of quarterback Jayden Daniels, who not only captured the prestigious Heisman Trophy but also saw three of his teammates selected in the first round of the NFL Draft. Expectations were sky-high as the team prepared for the 2024 season, especially with a solid defense returning and an offense brimming with potential.
Yet, despite the optimism, the season began on a shaky note. LSU suffered a heartbreaking loss to USC in the opening week, falling in the final seconds. However, the team quickly rebounded, embarking on a six-game winning streak that included nail-biting victories against South Carolina and the highly ranked Mississippi Rebels. During this stretch, fans witnessed the promising development of quarterback Garrett Nussmeier, but the joy was tempered by the devastating loss of star linebacker Harold Perkins Jr. to a season-ending knee injury.
The unraveling of the season: A three-game losing streak
Unfortunately, the Tigers’ fortunes have taken a nosedive recently. Currently in the midst of a three-game losing streak, the team suffered a disappointing 15-point loss to Texas A&M, where they faltered in the second half. This was followed by a blowout defeat against Alabama, a game that left fans reeling. The most recent setback came in a humiliating loss to the struggling Florida Gators, a team that has been treading water with a 5-5 record.
Adding to the turmoil, five-star quarterback recruit Bryce Underwood announced his decision to flip his commitment from LSU to Michigan, sending shockwaves through the fanbase. This announcement, coupled with the team’s recent struggles, has led to a growing sense of frustration and concern among Tigers supporters.
Insider notes on hot seat coach Brian Kelly’s spiraling 2024 season
As the losses mount, questions surrounding Brian Kelly’s future with the program have intensified. The recent losing streak has been difficult for fans to digest, but Underwood’s decommitment has pushed many over the edge. There’s a palpable sense among insiders that Kelly may not be retained at the end of the season. The outcome of the remaining two games against Vanderbilt and Oklahoma could be pivotal in determining his fate.
A loss in either of these matchups could spell doom for Kelly, who recently celebrated his 63rd birthday. There’s a faction within the program advocating for a younger coach, suggesting that the time for a change may be drawing near.
LSU’s $60 million dilemma: Letting Brian Kelly go isn’t a cakewalk in 2024
However, the path to relieving Kelly of his duties is fraught with complications, particularly due to the financial implications. In 2021, Kelly signed a lucrative 10-year contract worth $95 million. Should the university decide to part ways with him, the buyout is estimated to be a staggering $60.8 million. This hefty price tag raises doubts about whether the school will take such a drastic step, leading many to speculate that Kelly may still be at the helm in 2025.
Lane Kiffin has emerged as a popular name among fans as a potential replacement, echoing sentiments that once surrounded him during his tenure at Florida. However, many insiders believe that a coaching change is unlikely, given the financial constraints and the uncertainty surrounding the program’s direction.
No final decision has been reached yet, but the prevailing sentiment among those connected to the program is that it may be too costly to make a change at this juncture. As the season winds down, all eyes will be on how the Tigers perform in their final games and whether that performance will impact the future of Brian Kelly and the LSU football program.
The landscape of college football is ever-changing, and as the LSU Tigers navigate this turbulent season, the stakes have never been higher. Will they rise to the occasion, or will the challenges prove insurmountable? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: the passion and dedication of the LSU fanbase will remain unwavering, no matter the outcome.
