LSU Coach Brian Kelly Faces Rising Expectations in Year Four, but Job Security Appears Firm
OXFORD, MS – As LSU enters a crucial Week 5 SEC showdown against Ole Miss, head coach Brian kelly is feeling the pressure too deliver a championship-caliber season, according to ESPN analyst adn former LSU player Booger McFarland. Despite a 4-0 start – the program’s best under Kelly – the expectations in Baton Rouge are exceptionally high,with previous coaches achieving national championship success within their first four years.
mcfarland discussed Kelly’s position Wednesday on The Dan Patrick Show, asserting that Kelly’s job is “very secure” due to the substantial financial implications of a potential buyout.He pointed to the unprecedented $75 million Texas A&M paid to buy out Jimbo Fisher’s contract in 2023 as a deterrent for similar moves. “I know what the buyout is and it is substantially large,” McFarland said. “Unless you’re Texas A&M… I think BK realizes, and I think everybody in college football realizes that there’s a difference between the heat being turned up because the natives are restless, and then there’s also a difference to heat being turned up and you may get fired.”
LSU previously paid out nearly $17 million to Ed Orgeron in 2021, the coach who led the Tigers to a national championship with Joe Burrow in 2019 before being replaced by Kelly. mcfarland emphasized the past context, noting that Nick Saban and Les Miles also secured national titles early in their tenures at LSU.
“He feels the heat,” McFarland stated.”And regardless whether LSU wins this game or loses this game, the heat is still going to be there until the ring has been secured. He understands that. He’s heard it from me, he’s heard from a lot of people what the expectations are.”
The Tigers face a challenging schedule ahead, including ranked matchups against Vanderbilt, Texas A&M, Alabama, and Oklahoma. LSU’s game against Ole Miss is set for 3:30 p.m. ET on ABC.
