Brian Kelly reveals what will stand out about his first year at LSU

Brian Kelly had a fascinating first season at LSU, filled with fake accents and amazing victories throughout.

Many doubted Kelly’s ability to connect with the Tigers culture, but a victory over Nick Saban and a dominating victory in the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl have LSU’s future bright as ever. Speaking with the media after taking care of Purdue, Kelly elaborated on what he’ll remember most about his first season in Baton Rouge.

“Probably the relationships with the players, and developing new relationships with 115 players Getting to know them. That — to me, in Year 1, the first time here — you don’t know any of the players, and they don’t know you. I think that press conference — our first meeting, said, ‘Hey, we’re going to build trust, but it’s going to take time, for both sides.’ I think that that’s what happened,” explained Kelly. “I’ll remember that in Year 1. The process of building trust.”

Bringing Brian Kelly from Notre Dame to LSU was a big swing, but it’s paying off already. The Tigers are in good hands with Kelly captaining the ship moving forward.

Brian Kelly addresses future of coaching staff following Cheez-It Citrus Bowl win

Continuing, LSU waited some time to play their bowl game after the SEC Championship game, facing off against Purdue in the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl. However, some controversy struck before the game, with rumors swirling around the program surrounding assistant coaches and players.

After getting a win in Orlando, head coach Brian Kelly was asked about the status of LSU assistant coaches. He said they are all in good standing and plans for them to return for the 2023 season in Baton Rouge.

“Absolutely, 100 percent yes,” Kelly said.

Kelly put to bed any speculation out there as well with his postgame comments. In fact, he praised them for the job everyone on staff did for the Tigers this season.

“There are no coaches or support staff that are currently with me that have done anything that would require me to feel as they haven’t met the highest of standards that are required,” Kelly said. 

At least from an outside perspective, standards were more than met by LSU in Year One of Kelly. A signature win against Alabama really got the ball rolling, being the reason why the Tigers appeared in the SEC Championship game.

With some rumors now put to bed, Kelly and his staff can look forward to making even more progress heading into the 2023 season.

On3’s Griffin McVeigh contributed to this article.