The tame LSU Tigers (7-4) are finishing the season with their tails firmly between their legs. What began as a potential contender has dwindled as the season has progressed. 3 losses on the spin is almost an alien concept in Baton Rouge. They’ve snapped that streak, however the iconic purple and yellow yearns for a return to its lofty heights. The buck has to stop somewhere- and it happens to do so at Brian Kelly’s doorstep.

Saying it’s been a rough month or so down in Louisiana is an understatement. Losing 3 games to their SEC adversaries, inadvertently dropping out of the rankings, and, as if the present predicament wasn’t enough- losing the number one recruit in the country casts a cloud over their future prospects, too. Brian Kelly is catching flak with everyone. However, one individual’s assessment is particularly damning.

Micheal Bratton of “That SEC Podcast”, in a conversation with Paul Finebaum, laid bare his inhibitions about the coach. “He’s [a] fine coach, but they didn’t bring him down [there] to be a fine coach. They brought him down [there] to win national championships. Last I checked, his former team looks like they’re going to be marching their way into the CFP and they’re going to host a game. Meanwhile, LSU- dead in the water. I mean, they’re about the 10th best team in the SEC right now and, of course, lost their elite recruit to Michigan”, he said. 

Now, “SEC Mike” isn’t averse to a hot take. This one right here is sizzling, much to the dismay of Brian Kelly. He claimed, “If they want to keep going 7-5, 8-4 [then] I think Brian Kelly is the man for the job. If they want to win national championships, I’m really starting to question whether he’s that guy. I think he completely blew Jayden Daniels. I mean, they should have been competing for the national championship last year”.

The SEC schedule has been a gauntlet that’s a thorn in the side of every member school. LSU, alongside the likes of Alabama and Ole Miss, have fallen prey. However, Kalen DeBoer and Lane Kiffin are afforded longer leashes in their programs. DeBoer just got there, while Kiffin has built up credit in the bank in Mississippi. Brian Kelly does not have a facet aiding him right now. The sheen of his Notre Dame tenure is beginning to wear off. But is he under any real threat of getting the proverbial boot?

Brian Kelly potentially shielded by stipulations that hinder LSU

Brian Kelly was at Notre Dame for over a decade and is their winningest coach. Luring him away wasn’t easy. LSU parted with $95 Million in guaranteed money to do so. This was one of the most lucrative offers in the history of the sport. They did get their man to sign on for 10 years. 3 years in, there is still $61million due.

Now, that isn’t Jimbo Fisher money, but it’s a lot of dough, nevertheless. Texas A&M’s decision to payout north of $77 million to disperse Fisher has seemingly worked out. Mike Elko has hit the ground running at College Station. However, the gamble is just too massive. After two 10-win seasons from the onset, Brian Kelly may have just about bought himself at least a 4th year in Baton Rouge.

Coach Kelly has plenty of experience facing adversity. He’s the first one to tell you the business aspect of CFB off the gridiron can be just as brutal as the action on it. For now, he’s seemingly safe in his capacity. But an upturn in results on the field, as well as one on the recruitment front, is necessary. Unfortunately for him, he wouldn’t have Bryce Underwood at his disposal to instigate said upturn. The walls are closing in on Brian Kelly.