Report: Notre Dame’s Brian Kelly Expected to Be Hired by LSU to Replace Ed Orgeron

AP Photo/Paul Sancya

Brian Kelly is expected to be hired by LSU after a 12-year run at Notre Dame, according to Pete Thamel of Yahoo Sports.

LSU athletic director Scott Woodward announced in October former head coach Ed Orgeron would not return after the 2021 season, his sixth year with the program. The Tigers finished the regular season with a 6-6 record.

The team also struggled to a 5-5 record during the COVID-19-shortened 2020 season.

While the past two years fell short of expectations, Orgeron did lead the Tigers to a 2019 national championship behind Heisman Trophy winner Joe Burrow. The 15-0 squad had one of the top offenses in history, averaging an NCAA-best 48.4 points per game that season.

The title led to a six-year, $42 million extension for the coach, although it took just two years for him to be replaced.

It shows the enormous pressure on the next coach to deliver considering the success of his predecessors.

LSU has won national titles under each of the last three coaches with Orgeron (2019), Les Miles (2007) and Nick Saban (2003) all finding glory. It’s clear anything less will be considered a disappointment for the new staff.

The Kelly hire could be enough to help the Tigers return to contention in the SEC West and nationally.