Is Brian Kelly’s Time at LSU Running Out? The Tigers’ Season Takes a Turn, and Fans Are Ready to Roar.
Published October 18, 2025 4:44 PM EDT • Updated October 18, 2025 4:44 PM EDT
This was supposed to be the year LSU roared back to dominance—The Year of the Tiger, as many had hoped. With a roster brimming with championship-level talent, a seasoned quarterback returning for one last shot at glory, and a defense retooled by Blake Baker, everything seemed aligned for the Bayou Bengals to contend for a national title. But here’s where it gets controversial: after a stunning loss in Nashville that dropped LSU to 5-2 and a middling .500 in conference play, Brian Kelly’s future in Baton Rouge is looking increasingly uncertain.
Sure, Vanderbilt is having a standout season and was favored by 2.5 points at home, but for a powerhouse program like LSU, that shouldn’t matter. The big-money backers in Baton Rouge spared no expense to ensure Kelly had all the tools to succeed. Yet, once again, Kelly faltered when it mattered most. And this is the part most people miss: the writing was on the wall as early as August, when predictions of another underwhelming season began circulating.
It’s not just the losses—it’s the pattern. Despite having a veteran quarterback who bypassed the NFL Draft to chase a championship, Kelly’s Tigers have yet to make a College Football Playoff appearance, even after the field expanded to 12 teams last year. With just one top-12 finish in his tenure, Kelly’s seat is hotter than ever. To save his job, he’d need to run the table against a brutal schedule that includes Texas A&M, Alabama, and Oklahoma—a tall order for any coach.
When Kelly was hired before the 2022 season, he was expected to join the ranks of coaches with national titles. Three and a half years later, the results speak for themselves: no playoff appearances, no championships, and a fan base growing increasingly restless. The latest defeat has Tiger fans calling for change, and the administration might just listen. After Penn State’s bold move to buy out James Franklin, LSU’s leadership could be emboldened to follow suit, despite the hefty price tag.
But here’s the real question: Is Brian Kelly the right coach to lead LSU to a championship? The expectations in Baton Rouge are clear—win titles, or step aside. With another loss looming, the Tigers might soon spin the coaching carousel once more. What do you think? Is Kelly’s time up, or does he deserve another chance? Let us know in the comments—this debate is far from over.
