Who is lsu football coach

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Last updated: April 17, 2026

Quick Answer: The current head coach of the LSU football team is Brian Kelly, who was hired in November 2021 and officially began his tenure in January 2022 after leaving Notre Dame. Kelly replaced Ed Orgeron, who led LSU to a national championship in 2019 but was dismissed after a 6–4 season in 2021. Kelly previously coached at Notre Dame from 2013 to 2021, compiling a 113–40 record over nine seasons.

Key Facts

Brian Kelly was hired as LSU head coach in November 2021
Kelly replaced Ed Orgeron, who led LSU to a 2019 national title
Kelly's first season at LSU was 2022, finishing 9–4
He previously coached at Notre Dame from 2013 to 2021
LSU offered Kelly a 10-year, $95 million contract

Overview

The LSU Tigers football program, representing Louisiana State University, has undergone significant leadership changes in recent years. As of 2025, the head coach is Brian Kelly, a veteran with over three decades of collegiate coaching experience.

Kelly took over following the departure of Ed Orgeron, who led LSU to its most recent national championship in 2019. The transition marked a new era for the program, emphasizing modern offensive schemes and national recruiting.

Brian Kelly was officially named LSU's head coach on November 28, 2021, after reaching a mutual agreement with Notre Dame to part ways.
He signed a 10-year, $95 million contract, making him one of the highest-paid coaches in college football at the time.
Kelly began his tenure at LSU in January 2022, following the conclusion of Notre Dame's 2021 season.
Prior to LSU, Kelly spent nine seasons at Notre Dame, compiling a 113–40 record and leading the Fighting Irish to the College Football Playoff in 2018 and 2020.
His hiring marked a strategic shift for LSU, focusing on a faster-paced, pass-oriented offense compared to Orgeron’s run-heavy, defense-first approach.

How It Works

Understanding the role and impact of a college football head coach involves examining responsibilities, contract terms, and program influence. The LSU head coach oversees all aspects of the team, from game strategy to recruiting and staff management.

Recruiting Oversight: The head coach leads national recruiting efforts, targeting top high school prospects. Kelly has prioritized signing 4- and 5-star recruits from Texas and Louisiana.
Offensive Strategy: Kelly implemented a spread, up-tempo offense at LSU, a departure from Orgeron’s pro-style attack. This system emphasizes quarterback development and wide receiver production.
Staff Management: The head coach hires and supervises assistant coaches. Kelly retained only a few holdovers and brought in several assistants from his Notre Dame staff.
Media and Public Relations: LSU’s coach conducts weekly press conferences and media appearances, serving as the public face of the program.
Player Development: Coaches oversee strength training, film study, and academic support. Under Kelly, LSU has increased use of analytics and player tracking technology.
Contract Compliance: The coach must adhere to NCAA rules, conference bylaws, and university policies. Kelly’s contract includes performance incentives tied to win totals and bowl appearances.

Comparison at a Glance

Here’s how Brian Kelly’s early tenure compares to Ed Orgeron’s final seasons at LSU:

Category	Ed Orgeron (2019–2021)	Brian Kelly (2022–2023)
Overall Record	28–9	18–8
Conference Record	16–6	11–5
Bowl Appearances	3	2
AP Top 10 Finishes	1 (2019)	0
Recruiting Class Rank (Avg.)	#6	#9

The data shows Orgeron’s peak in 2019, when LSU went 15–0 and won the national title. Kelly’s first two seasons yielded winning records but no championship contention, though recruiting remains strong. The program is still adapting to Kelly’s system, with expectations rising for future competitiveness.

Why It Matters

The identity and success of LSU football hinge significantly on the head coach’s leadership, philosophy, and ability to adapt. Kelly’s arrival brought national attention and a new direction for the storied program.

Program Prestige: Hiring a high-profile coach like Kelly elevates LSU’s national profile and media exposure.
Recruiting Momentum: Kelly’s connections in Texas have helped secure top-tier talent, including five-star quarterback recruits.
Financial Impact: A successful team boosts ticket sales, merchandise, and donations—LSU reported a $12 million increase in football revenue in 2022.
Conference Competitiveness: With the SEC becoming more pass-oriented, Kelly’s system aligns with modern trends.
Player Development: Several LSU quarterbacks have improved under Kelly’s tutelage, enhancing NFL draft prospects.
Long-Term Stability: A 10-year contract provides continuity, allowing for sustained program building beyond short-term results.

As LSU navigates a changing college football landscape—including NIL deals and conference realignment—Kelly’s leadership will be pivotal in maintaining the Tigers among the nation’s elite programs.