Pressure Mounts on the Tigers’ Head Coach
The LSU Tigers are no strangers to lofty expectations. With three national championships since 2003 and a tradition of competing at the highest level in the SEC, the program measures success in playoff berths and championship rings—not simply 10-win seasons. That’s why head coach Brian Kelly finds himself entering the 2025 season under intense scrutiny, despite posting respectable results in his first three years at the helm.
According to ESPN analyst Chris Canty, Kelly is facing the most pressure of any head coach in college football this year. On Thursday’s edition of First Take, Canty did not mince words when addressing the Tigers’ situation:
“At some point, Brian Kelly, one of the highest-paid coaches in college football, has got to show up. Having ugly opening weekend losses, having situations where you’re not competing for conference championships, having situations where you’re not in the College Football Playoff is an absolute embarrassment. It’s below the standard.”
Kelly’s Track Record in Baton Rouge
Since taking over in 2022, Brian Kelly has managed to stabilize LSU’s program after a turbulent stretch. In three seasons, he has led the Tigers to two 10-win campaigns, reestablishing LSU as a consistent presence near the top of the SEC standings.
However, while the win totals look impressive on paper, critics argue that the Tigers have failed to meet the program’s championship pedigree. LSU has yet to appear in the College Football Playoff under Kelly, often coming up short in marquee games that define championship-caliber seasons. Losses in early non-conference matchups and failure to secure SEC titles have kept LSU out of serious playoff contention.
Why 2025 Is a Defining Year
The expectations for 2025 are clear. LSU enters the year ranked No. 9 in the AP Top 25 preseason poll, signaling that the Tigers are once again viewed as legitimate contenders. With a roster stacked with SEC-level talent and a fan base hungry for playoff glory, patience is beginning to run thin.
For Kelly, this season represents more than just another chance at double-digit wins. It’s about proving that LSU can return to the College Football Playoff and contend for championships under his leadership. Anything less may reinforce the notion that Kelly can’t quite deliver on the biggest stage, despite being one of the highest-paid coaches in college football.
The Road Ahead
To silence the critics, LSU will need to:
Win early-season matchups that have haunted them in the past.
Compete for the SEC crown, rather than settling for second-tier bowl appearances.
Develop consistency in both offensive execution and defensive discipline.
Kelly’s fourth season in Baton Rouge could very well define his tenure. If the Tigers can finally break through to the playoff, Kelly will quiet the doubters and prove he can guide LSU to the level of dominance its fan base demands. But if the Tigers once again fall short, the calls for change will only grow louder.