Brian Kelly issues statement to LSU fans following his dismissal
By Jake Faigus
Published:
On Thursday, former LSU head coach Brian Kelly broke his silence with his first public statement since being fired by the Tigers.
Kelly was dismissed after Texas A&M walked into Baton Rouge and blew out the Tigers, 49-25 on Oct. 25. In a lengthy statement shared on social media, he expressed his gratitude for the opportunity with the Tigers and his best wishes for their continued success.
The full statement is below:
Moving to Baton Rouge four years ago, my family and I were clear. There would be no halfway. We would be all-in for LSU and 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. The losses will always hurt, but I will remember all of the wins. 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.
The journey may have ended but it’s a journey that will stick with me and my family forever.
LSU is 5-3 on the season. After knocking off Clemson and ascending to No. 3 in the AP poll, dreams of a breakthrough season in Death Valley felt close to materializing. The season went off the rails following a 24-19 loss to Ole Miss.
LSU skated past South Carolina before losing back-to-back games in ugly fashion to Vanderbilt and A&M. Kelly departed with a 34-14 record across 4 seasons, but his dismissal brought an end to an impressive streak of 3 consecutive LSU coaches who captured national titles during their time in Baton Rouge.
The Tigers face Alabama in Tuscaloosa on Saturday.
