What was once a season brimming with national championship hopes has quickly turned into one of rising tension and public unrest in Baton Rouge. LSU’s stunning loss to Vanderbilt has sparked outrage among the Tigers faithful and reignited serious questions about head coach Brian Kelly’s long-term future with the program.
After entering 2025 as a College Football Playoff hopeful with one of the most talented rosters in the country, Kelly’s Tigers now sit at 5–2, with two losses in their last three games. And while the season is far from over, the energy around LSU has shifted dramatically. The question is shifting from “Can LSU contend for a title?” — it’s “Can Brian Kelly survive the season?”
Brian Kelly Under Fire After LSU’s Upset Loss To Vanderbilt
Fans Are Fed Up: Same Story, Different Season
LSU fans are growing impatient, and fast. The Vanderbilt loss didn’t just derail a playoff push, it struck a nerve. This isn’t just about dropping a game; it’s about what it represents. For a program that prides itself on championships and dominance, losing to the SEC’s perennial bottom feeder is unacceptable.
This is now the third straight season under Kelly where LSU has stumbled in games they were expected to win. And more alarmingly, his reputation for faltering in high-stakes moments is beginning to mirror that of another embattled coach — James Franklin at Penn State. Both have built strong records but continually fall short in the games that matter most. Franklin’s inability to break through led to relentless media scrutiny and fan criticism — Kelly now finds himself in that same uncomfortable spotlight.
A $53 Million Question: Can LSU Afford to Move On?
Despite the criticism, firing Kelly won’t be easy or cheap. According to his current contract, LSU would owe Kelly over $53 million if they chose to part ways with him without cause as of December 1, 2025. That figure ranks among the top buyouts in all of college football, trailing the likes of Kirby Smart, Ryan Day, and Kalen DeBoer along with just a few others.
But as programs like Texas A&M and Auburn have shown in recent years, deep pockets and booster pressure can quickly override financial hesitation. If LSU continues to struggle and the fanbase turns completely, it’s not unthinkable that the university, or its donors, could absorb that cost in order to hit the reset button.
Who Could Replace Brian Kelly?
If LSU does decide to make a move, the job instantly becomes one of the most attractive openings in the country. It’s a top-five job in terms of resources, location, recruiting power, and national relevance. And with the expanded College Football Playoff now in play, it’s even more appealing.
Early speculation around potential replacements could include names like Dan Lanning (Oregon), James Franklin, or Lance Leipold (Kansas) who has proven he can build and sustain success even in tough environments. Another name that could quickly rise: DeBoer if things unravel at Alabama, or even a big swing at an NFL name with ties to the college game. Could an Ed Orgeron return happen?
The carousel is always unpredictable, but LSU’s potential opening would instantly shake up the entire coaching market, especially within the SEC.
The Pressure Is On
For now, Kelly remains LSU’s head coach. But the clock is ticking and that’s not just on the 2025 season, but on his tenure. The Vanderbilt loss was a gut punch, not just because of the result, but because of how familiar it felt. This was supposed to be the year LSU proved it belonged with the nation’s elite again. Instead, the Tigers are treading water and losing the trust of a fanbase that expects more.
LSU still has time to recover, but the road ahead is steep. The upcoming stretch of SEC games will determine not just their bowl destination but possibly the direction of the entire program.
One more misstep and LSU may not just be looking for answers, they may be looking for a new head coach.
Main Image: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
