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Brian Kelly releases first statement since LSU firing

ns_headshot_2024-clearby: Nick Schultz7 hours agoNickSchultz_7
LSU HC Brian Kelly
Stephen Lew | Imagn Images

For the first time since his firing from LSU, Brian Kelly has released a statement. The former Tigers coach took to social media to share his message.

Kelly looked back on his nearly four full years in Baton Rouge after arriving from Notre Dame. He reflected on the program’s accolades, including an SEC Championship berth in 2022 and Jayden Daniels’ Heisman Trophy-winning season in 2023.

At the end, Kelly wished interim coach Frank Wilson and the LSU players well as they go through the final stretch of the regular season. The Tigers will play their first game, post-Kelly, on Saturday against Alabama.

“Moving to Baton Rouge four years ago, my family and I were clear. There would be no halfway,” Kelly wrote. “We would be all-in for LSU and for Louisiana. This journey began with great expectations with my own vision of how to get there. Sometimes the journey does not end the way we hope.

“But when I think of our time together, I will remember and appreciate what we did accomplish. All of the exceptional student-athletes I had the privilege to coach. A Heisman Trophy winner and more than a dozen Tigers playing on Sundays. 39 players earning SEC Academic Honor Roll honors in 2024 alone. My daughter and son earning advanced degrees from LSU and a third who began his career working at the University. The roar of Death Valley when we beat Alabama.”

Kelly had a 34-13 overall record at LSU prior to his departure, including a 19-10 mark in SEC play. The Tigers made it to the SEC title game in his first season, but did not return to Atlanta after that.

LSU announced Brian Kelly’s firing following a home loss to Texas A&M, putting the school on the hook for a roughly $50 million buyout. However, the school announced it was still negotiating terms of the separation, and a letter obtained by WAFB-TV showed Kelly said he was open to a buyout settlement.

As he wrapped up his statement, Kelly said he would continue to cheer for LSU the rest of the way. He added he will also be watching.

“The losses will always hurt, but I will remember all of the wins,” Kelly wrote. “I don’t need to tell any of you how special Saturday nights in Tiger Stadium are. I am honored to have worn the purple and gold and been a part of it.

“As everyone heads on their way to see the Tigers play, I wish Coach Wilson, the coaches and our players the best this weekend. I know they will do their best for themselves and for LSU. We will be watching and cheering for you. This journey may have ended, but it’s a journey that will stay with me and my family forever.”