In November 2021, LSU made a move that sent shockwaves through the college football realm. They managed to secure the services of Brian Kelly as their next head coach. This wasn't just any hire; it was a significant acquisition. Athletic director Scott Woodward and the Tigers were able to entice a sitting head coach who boasted an impressive 73% career win rate and had led his teams to five New Year’s Six bowl games. The program they lured him away from was none other than Notre Dame, a storied and mythologized entity in the sport.

Contract Details and Value

When Kelly decided to leave Notre Dame after 12 seasons, he became one of college football's highest-paid coaches. His LSU contract is a substantial one. With a length of 10 years and a value of $95 million, it was a significant investment for LSU and Woodward. In the USA TODAY Coaches Salary database, he ranks No. 8 among FBS coaches with a total pay of $9,975,000. Among the seven coaches ahead of him, four are from the SEC, with Georgia's Kirby Smart leading the pack.

2022: A Strong Debut

In 2022, Kelly guided LSU to a remarkable 10-4 record and a spot in the SEC championship game. This was a strong start, with the team showing great potential and performing at a high level. The players, led by Heisman Trophy winner Jayden Daniels and star wide receiver Malik Nabers, both top-10 picks in the 2024 NFL draft, demonstrated their talent and ability.

2023: A Mixed Finish

In 2023, LSU finished with a 10-3 record. While this was a decent finish, it felt underwhelming given the talent on the team. The team had high expectations going into the season, but they didn't quite meet them. There were some challenges along the way that affected their performance.

2024: A Disappointing Campaign

The 2024 season has been a different story for LSU. After a promising 6-1 start and a rise to No. 7 in the US LBM Coaches Poll, the team has hit a rough patch. They have dropped three consecutive games, including a gut-wrenching 27-16 loss on the road to a previously 4-5 Florida team that had just suffered a 32-point loss to Texas. This skid has raised serious questions not only about this specific group of Tigers but also about Kelly's leadership.

Brian Kelly's Record

Heading into LSU's game Saturday against Vanderbilt, Kelly has an impressive career record of 192-73 at the FBS level. His previous coaching stops at Central Michigan, Cincinnati, and Notre Dame have all been successful. After going 34-6 at Cincinnati and 113-40 at Notre Dame, he faced immense expectations when he arrived at LSU. Nearing the end of his third season with the Tigers, he has a record of 26-11. Here's a look at his year-by-year record during his time in Baton Rouge:

• 2022: 10-4
• 2023: 10-3
• 2024: 6-4
• Overall: 26-11

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