Brian Kelly news
Archived — this story has rotated out of today’s deck. It is kept here in full.
The gist
Former LSU coach Brian Kelly said LSU held a schematic edge over Clemson in Week 1.
His comments land as LSU's SEC fight and Lane Kiffin's tenure draw scrutiny.
Background
Brian Kelly is no longer LSU's head coach, having been fired after a disappointing start to last season. This week he commented on LSU's dominant Week 1 win over Clemson, saying the Tigers had a schematic advantage and that Clemson is 'not the same football team.' He also addressed the controversies surrounding his successor, Lane Kiffin, in an interview with USA Today.
How it unfolded
- recentlyBrian Kelly was fired following a disappointing start to last season, ending his LSU tenure.
- Sep 4, 2026Kelly commented on Lane Kiffin's LSU gamble in a USA Today interview, saying 'Lane operates in his lane.'
- Sep 10, 2026Kelly said LSU had a schematic advantage against Clemson and that 'they're not the same football team.'
Who’s saying what
- Analysts
- Kelly's read on the Clemson game reflects his familiarity with Dabo Swinney's program from his Notre Dame years.
- Public
- LSU fans had strong reactions to Kelly's statement about the Tigers, according to AtoZ Sports.
Still unverified
The exact wording and full context of Kelly's 'strong statement' about LSU fans is not detailed in the available material; the AtoZ Sports item is undated and provides no direct quote.