Photo via LSU Athletics
LSU football saw enough of Brian Kelly less than four full years into his tenure. On Oct. 26, the Tigers fired him following a blowout loss to Texas A&M and 5-3 (2-3 SEC) start to the season.
On Thursday, Nov. 6, Kelly made his first public statement since being let go. Here’s what he said.
“Dear Tiger Fans:
“Moving to Baton Rouge four years ago, my family and I were clear. There would be no halfway. We would be all-in for LSU and for Louisiana.
“This journey began with great expectations with my own vision of how to get there. Sometimes the journey does not end the way we hope.
“But when I think of our time together, I will remember and appreciate what we did accomplish. All of the exceptional student-athletes I had the privilege to coach. A Heisman Trophy winner and more than a dozen Tigers playing on Sundays. 39 players earning SEC Academic Honor Roll honors in 2024 alone. My daughter and son earning advanced degrees from LSU and a third who began his career working at the University.
“The roar of Death Valley when we beat Alabama.
“The losses will always hurt, but I will remember all of the wins.
“I don’t need to tell any of you how special Saturday nights in Tiger Stadium are. I am honored to have worn the purple and gold and been a part of it.
“As everyone heads on their way to see the Tigers play, I wish Coach Wilson, the coaches and our players the best this weekend. I know they will do their best for themselves and for LSU. We will be watching and cheering for you.
“This journey may have ended, but it’s a journey that will stay with me and my family forever.
“Geax Tigers.
“Brian Kelly”
— Brian Kelly (@CoachBrianKelly) November 6, 2025
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To finish the year, the Tigers will have Frank Wilson take over as interim coach. Wilson previously served as the associate head coach and running backs coach. In 2009, he was the wide receivers coach at Tennessee under Lane Kiffin.
LSU is following the recent trend of firing its head coach heading into a bye week. This gives the team two weeks to get prepared for its next contest. After the break, the Tigers will play at Alabama. Then, it’s Arkansas, Western Kentucky and at Oklahoma to round out the year.
LSU was initially thought to be one of the best teams in the country, particularly after a road win over Clemson to open the year. However, both LSU and Clemson have proven to have rough seasons as both are all but officially out of the playoff race.
Kelly finished his tenure in Baton Rouge 34-14 (19-10 SEC). He won nine regular-season games in both 2022 and 2023, before only earning eight last year. His first season in 2022 did see his team make the SEC Championship game, which was a loss to Georgia.
Tennessee played Kelly’s Tigers team once in his tenure. The Vols went on the road in 2022 and dismantled LSU in a 40-13 win. Tiger fans exited the stadium quickly, leading to a total orange takeover of the stadium.
Kelly has a 297-109-2 overall record in his head coaching career, dating back to 1991 at Grand Valley State. He then went to Central Michigan in 2004 before landing at Cincinnati in 2006 and Notre Dame in 2010.