Brian Kelly Leaves LSU for NFL Opportunity—New Orleans Saints Announce Hire
LSU Tigers head coach Brian Kelly has officially resigned to take the head coaching job with the New Orleans Saints, marking his first foray into the NFL. The Saints announced the hire earlier today, ending weeks of speculation about Kelly’s future following a stellar season with LSU.
Kelly’s departure comes as a major blow to the Tigers, who had begun to reestablish themselves as a national powerhouse under his leadership. His ability to rebuild the program quickly and adapt to the competitive SEC environment earned him widespread praise, making his decision to leave for the NFL all the more surprising.
For the Saints, the hire signals a commitment to turning the franchise around after several seasons of underachievement. Kelly’s reputation as a meticulous planner and offensive innovator makes him an intriguing choice, though questions remain about his ability to adapt to the NFL game.
LSU, meanwhile, must now search for a new head coach capable of sustaining the program’s momentum. Names like Dan Lanning, James Franklin, and Matt Rhule have already been mentioned as potential candidates, though replacing Kelly’s experience and leadership will be no easy task.
As Kelly begins his NFL journey, LSU fans are left wondering whether his departure was inevitable or if the Tigers could have done more to keep him in Baton Rouge.