In a dramatic twist of fate, Notre Dame will compete in the national championship game, just three years after head coach Brian Kelly left the program for a new challenge at LSU. Kelly’s departure in 2021 came after 12 seasons with the Fighting Irish, during which he made a significant impact. In April 2022, he candidly expressed his reasons for moving on: “I want to be in an environment where I have the resources to win a national championship.” But now, as Notre Dame prepares for the biggest game of the season, Kelly finds himself in a precarious position.
Notre Dame’s Triumph vs. LSU’s Struggles
While Notre Dame fans are reveling in their team’s success, LSU’s performance has been less than stellar. The Tigers wrapped up the 2024 season with a disappointing 9-4 record, marking their worst season under Kelly’s leadership. It’s a stark contrast to the Fighting Irish’s current glory, and you can bet Notre Dame supporters are savoring every moment of this rivalry. They’ve certainly not forgotten Kelly’s words, and they’re not shy about reminding him of them.
Fans Remind Kelly of His Words
As the Fighting Irish made their impressive run through the College Football Playoffs, the Notre Dame faithful took to social media and local gatherings to echo Kelly’s earlier comments. “You wanted resources, Brian? Look at us now!” they might say, basking in the glow of their team’s achievements. The pride and excitement are palpable among the fanbase, as they celebrate their team’s journey to the championship game.
Paul Finebaum’s Take on the Situation
Commentator Paul Finebaum weighed in on this intriguing situation during an appearance on The Matt Barrie Show. He shared insights into Kelly’s complex relationship with Notre Dame and the fans. “My relationship with Brian Kelly is very close. He comes on the show every Monday,” Finebaum noted. “He’s likable, but he used to be very surly, and when he was at Notre Dame, he was not that likable.”
Finebaum also highlighted the challenges Kelly faced during his tenure at Notre Dame, recalling the painful 28-point blowout against Alabama in the 2012 national championship game. “He had two other inexplicable playoff appearances, and I understand his frustration,” he added. It’s clear that while Kelly made the move to LSU for what he believed were better prospects, the reality of his situation has turned out to be quite different.
The Haunting Words of Brian Kelly
“It’s also, you’ve been in a place for a long time, and it’s just not the same,” Finebaum reflected. “To me, he made a good decision, but it’s one of those situations where the words will haunt him.” Kelly’s aspirations for a national championship at LSU have not yet materialized, especially after a season that saw the Tigers falter. “He lost four games this year and was nowhere near the national championship,” Finebaum pointed out, emphasizing the irony of the situation.
Notre Dame’s New Era Under Marcus Freeman
After Kelly’s abrupt resignation, Marcus Freeman stepped in as head coach of Notre Dame, bringing a fresh perspective and renewed energy to the program. Freeman’s leadership has been instrumental in guiding the Fighting Irish back to the top of college football, and the results speak for themselves. The team’s success in the playoffs is a testament to his ability to rally the players and instill a winning mentality.
The Legacy of Brian Kelly
While Kelly has had his share of success at LSU, including two 10-win seasons, the ultimate goal of reaching the College Football Playoff (CFP) remains elusive. As the Fighting Irish prepare for their championship showdown, the narrative surrounding Kelly and Notre Dame continues to evolve. The fans are not just celebrating their team’s achievements; they are also relishing the opportunity to remind Kelly of his past statements and the choices he made.
Looking Ahead
The college football landscape is always shifting, and while Kelly may still have time to prove his decision right, for now, the Fighting Irish hold all the bragging rights. The excitement building around Notre Dame’s championship game is palpable, and the fans are ready to support their team as they chase glory. Will Kelly’s words come back to haunt him, or will he find a way to turn his fortunes around at LSU? Only time will tell, but one thing is for sure: college football is full of surprises, and this rivalry is far from over.
