Calls Mount Against Brian Kelly’s Job as LSU Fans Willing to Let Go $61M After NFL Revelation

Imagine being an LSU fan right now. You’re sitting there, watching Jayden Daniels absolutely torch the No.1 seed Detroit Lions in the playoffs like it’s nothing. The Washington Commander QB1 is out here making NFL defenses and grown men look funny on national television, throwing dimes and running circles around defenders. Meanwhile, the Washington Commanders just punched their ticket to the NFC Championship for the first time since 1992. LSU fans? They’re not celebrating—they’re straight-up roasting Brian Kelly and ready to bail $61 million. Why? Because somehow, with a squad that was basically Avengers-level stacked in 2023, Kelly and LSU couldn’t even sniff the playoffs.

First off, let’s talk about the Tigers in the room—or rather, the ghosts. LSU fans can’t help but compare that 2023 offense to their legendary 2019 national title team. That 2023 offensive trio of Jayden Daniels, Malik Nabers, and Brian Thomas Jr. was literally a reincarnation of 2019 Joe Burrow, Ja’Maar Chase, and Justin Jefferson. Yet, Brian Kelly somehow went 9-3, missing the playoffs.

The LSU’s 2023 offense was so GOATed, Daniels threw for over 3,800 yards and 40 touchdowns, Nabers was out here snagging 1,600 yards like it was recess, and Thomas? The man’s caught 17 tuddies. That offense was literally averaging 45.5 points per game and 543.6 yards per game. They literally ranked second only to the 2019 national champion offense in terms of yards and points per game. Diabolically insane, right?

But instead of parades and confetti, LSU ended up in the ReliaQuest Bowl. Yeah, let that sink in. The ReliaQuest Bowl. Fans are mad, and Kelly’s catching strays left and right. Let’s talk about Jayden Daniel for real quick now. He’s out here reminding everyone why he won the Heisman. Against the Lions, he threw for 299 yards, ran for another 51, and looked like he was playing a pickup game at the park. Commanders fans are living their best lives, and LSU fans? They’re fuming now all over the internet.

Like any average person would ask, ‘How the he-l did Brian Kelly not win more with this guy?’ Well, that’s the million-dollar question—or in this case, the $61 million question. LSU fans are ready to throw his contract out like last week’s leftovers. And honestly? It’s not hard to see why. When you’ve got a QB like Daniels and 2 receivers who are now NFL stars, going 9-3 is like driving a Lamborghini in a school zone—what’s the point? And their defense?

The LSU’s 2023 defense was literally for a problem, not for the SEC but for Brian Kelly. It was the only thing that held them back from potentially winning the natty. LSU gave up 34.3 points per game to Power Five teams; they were giving up 409.8 yards per game and ranked 80th in scoring defense and 105th in total defense, and they got shredded by Ole Miss for 55 points.

This season ain’t all flowers for Brian Kelly, going 9-4, missing the playoffs, and stuck with a guy who throws a pick in every 10 pass attempts. So, here we are. Brian Kelly’s got a $61 million buyout hanging over LSU’s head, and fans are asking if it’s worth it. Sure, he’s pulled in a killer recruiting class for 2025—three 5-stars, 16 4-stars—but can we trust him to actually do something with it?

Fans are already picturing what could’ve been if Daniels and that offense played in 2024. They’d be a lock for the playoffs, maybe even a natty. Instead, they’re stuck wondering if Kelly’s the guy or just another overpaid hype job. The recruiting class is fire (finished 7th in the recruiting class), and Kelly’s got nowhere to hide.

Internet cooked Brian Kelly for fumbling the 2023 season with that offense

The fans didn’t waste any time in cooking Brian Kelly on IG comments, “Should have won a natty with that talent.” This fan kept it real—LSU’s 2023 squad was championship material. With Jayden Daniels throwing dimes, Malik Nabers catching everything in sight, and Brian Thomas Jr. bulldozing secondaries, anything less than natty feels like a joke. Kelly had all the ingredients, but instead of a five-star meal, he served up fast food.

Next LSU fan commented as it is, “Their offense was statistically the best in the country; the defense was gosh awful.” You can’t argue with numbers, and LSU’s offense was like a cheat code. But that defense? Straight cheeks. The stats don’t lie: giving up 34.3 points per game isn’t just bad—it’s straight-up embarrassing.

This fan commented, “Brian Kelly is a master of mediocrity.” This one hits hard because it’s not just about this season—it’s a roast of his entire career. Kelly has a knack for getting close, but he always seems to fall short. Calling him a ‘Natty Magnet’ now would be a complete joke. Fans are sick and tired of the ‘almosts,’ and 2023 was the final straw for some.

The last fan came up with receipts: “It’s BK’s fault he hired Matt House in the first place.” Yes, it’s not all Brian Kelly’s fault. Their DC was straight-up selling the game. If Jayden and Co. score 40 points, their defense would give away 39 points. This fan might be a bit delusional with his take, but he’s got a point, though. In the end, it doesn’t matter; Brian Kelly’s the guy who’s paying the price in full.

Brian Kelly might’ve brought in a killer recruiting class for 2025, but LSU fans aren’t forgetting 2023 anytime soon. Missing the playoffs with a historically good offense is like fumbling at the 1-yard line—it’s unforgivable. The $61 million buyout hanging over LSU’s head is the only thing keeping Kelly safe right now, but if he messes up again, Baton Rouge might not be so forgiving. As one fan put it: “Should’ve won a natty.” And honestly? They’re not wrong.