LSU head coach Brian Kelly has been working hard to get his Tigers into the college football playoffs, but it hasn’t happened yet. In fact, Kelly has spent four years running the program and has no playoff results to show for it.
Meanwhile, Penn State head coach James Franklin was able to get the Nittany Lions there just last season. The fact that Kelly, who has a major contract with LSU, hasn’t done so probably draws the ire of the Tigers’ faithful down in Baton Rouge.
Is Kelly on the hot seat entering this season? One former NFL player is making his thoughts clear on Kelly’s current situation.
What Does This Former NFL Player Think of Brian Kelly?
Former NFL defensive back Bryant McFadden isn’t too fond of what Kelly has done at LSU. McFadden played for the Pittsburgh Steelers and Arizona Cardinals between 2005-11 in his NFL career.
Despite Kelly’s best efforts, his coaching style and ability to put the Tigers into playoff contention has not worked out.
McFadden appeared on “CBS Sports College Football” and had some choice words for Kelly.
“When he decided to become the head coach for LSU, remember, 10 years, $95 million, this will be his fourth year at LSU,” McFadden said. “The last three years, he’s lost the opening game, the last three years. And it’s safe to say, I don’t want to give any predictions, but they have Clemson coming up on the road.
“So that could be a recurring theme this season,” McFadden said. “Outside of that, they have always been in the top 10 in recruiting. Another outstanding transfer portal class again this season. And then when you look at the SEC representatives that made it into the playoffs, Tennessee got into the playoffs before Brian Kelly and LSU.”
Why Hasn’t LSU Had Postseason Playoff Success?
McFadden pointed out that when people tune into the NFL on Sundays, it’s pretty much guaranteed that viewers will see an LSU star on the field. He mentioned players like Malik Nabers, Brian Thomas Jr., and Heisman Trophy winner Jayden Daniels, all of whom played under Kelly’s coaching.
Even with those standout players, McFadden said that Kelly doesn’t have anything to show for it at all. McFadden then brought Franklin into the conversation.
“So you talk about James Franklin. I know Penn State fans oftentimes get a bit tired of James Franklin,” McFadden said. “Well, at least James Franklin got Penn State to the playoffs a year ago. They’re still waiting for that type of service from Brian Kelly down in Baton Rouge.”
Kelly led LSU to a 9-4 overall record in 2024, 5-3 in SEC play, and a victory in the Texas Bowl. Meanwhile, Franklin led Penn State to a 10-3 record, 8-1 in Big Ten play, and a No. 5 ranking in the final Associated Press poll of the season.
Kelly has his work cut out for him again this season. Will he be able to win enough and make the college postseason playoffs for LSU to be considered a major challenger?
