Brian Kelly’s LSU Tigers are reeling after a disappointing 31-24 road loss to the Vanderbilt Commodores last weekend. The final score, however, didn’t fully capture how poorly Kelly’s squad performed, as they were outcoached on both offense and defense.
Before Kelly arrived, the previous three LSU head coaches each won a national championship, and many fans hoped this season would bring another title run. While a 5-2 record means there is still a chance to rebound, questions continue to grow about Kelly’s relationships with both former and current Tigers.
What Are the Ongoing Issues Between Brian Kelly and LSU Players?
In his Tuesday podcast, college sports insider Aaron Torres highlighted a fiery rant from former LSU defensive lineman Breiden Fehoko, who took issue with the coach’s approach to program alumni.
“People quoted me saying, ‘I don’t know what I’m talking about’ when I said BK didn’t want alumni around,” Fehoko’s statement read (2:55). “Everyone thinks this is about going to games on Saturday nights in Death Valley lol, no. This is about the offseason of having your past guys around the team in a workout environment.”
A key Tigers’ 2019 National Championship team member, Fehoko insisted his criticism wasn’t rooted in hate for his alma mater. Instead, he said it came from his belief that there were “cracks in Kelly’s armor” that many refused to acknowledge.
Beyond the friction with alumni, some insiders question whether Kelly is a winner in the locker room. Torres compared Kelly’s situation to other recent coaching firings. When Florida’s Billy Napier and Penn State’s James Franklin were dismissed, their players reacted emotionally. In contrast, Torres believes Kelly’s departure would be met with silence.
“Like if Brian Kelly, like, he’s not getting fired, but if he got fired tomorrow, how many guys on this roster do you think would post pictures with Brian Kelly saying how sad they are and wish him the best and you’re nothing?” Torres quipped (12:00). “I don’t think it would happen.”
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This sentiment isn’t new. In 2024, CBS reporter John Talty also mentioned a “disconnect” between Kelly and his players. However, none of LSU’s current athletes have publicly criticized him since his hiring in November 2021.
Meanwhile, LSU’s primary goal every season is competing for a National Championship, a feat Kelly has not achieved. This pressure to win at the highest level has become a central part of the conversation surrounding his tenure. We saw how big-game failures led to Franklin’s firing at Penn State despite his 104-45 overall record, and Kelly’s performance is now being viewed through a similar lens.
Furthermore, college football now exists in an era where even massive buyouts don’t guarantee patience, as Penn State and Franklin can attest. It remains uncertain whether Kelly’s approximate $54 million buyout can withstand the mounting criticism regarding his relationships within the LSU program.
