Brian Kelly Takes Responsibility for Florida Loss as “Fire the Coach” Echoes on X

Braden Ramsey | 17/11/2024
Nov 16, 2024; Gainesville, Florida, USA; Florida Gators head coach Billy Napier and LSU Tigers head coach Brian Kelly talk midfield before a game at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium.

The No. 22 LSU Tigers entered Saturday’s road game against unranked Florida as 2.5-point favorites. They not only failed to cover but lost outright, 27-16, to the Gators in “The Swamp.”

The defeat was LSU’s third straight of the season, which all but eliminates them from College Football Playoff contention. This has fans calling for HC Brian Kelly’s head.

After the contest, the HC owned up to his role in the Tigers’ recent struggles. He didn’t shy away from accountability and told his fans he “wasn’t good enough” to get his squad over the hump.

“Everybody is working and putting in the time, and the head coach has gotta be part of that… you can’t sit and say ‘well, it’s the coordinators.’ The head coach is ultimately responsible for the success of his football team. And we’re not successful these last three weeks… I wasn’t good enough tonight.”

Kelly made some questionable decisions even before the game began, that left fans perplexed. In the third quarter, a questionable field goal called by Kelly cut the Gators lead to four. But nearly instantly, Jadan Baugh ripped off a 55-yard run for a touchdown giving Florida a 27-16 lead.

However, the HC has vowed to be more involved in “helping [LSU’s] players get through” their losing streak next Saturday. Meanwhile, fans of the program just want him gone ASAP.

LSU fans want Brian Kelly to be fired

The citizens of Baton Rouge, unsurprisingly, are not happy with Kelly. This season is the first under him where LSU won’t secure double-digit wins. You’d think his two-year track record would buy him some leeway.

But there’s less patience for perceived “mediocrity” in the SEC than there is in rookie NFL quarterbacks. As a result, many are calling for his time as head coach to come to an end.

Losses are one thing; public lambasting of players on the sidelines is another. The latter is something many fans appreciate even less than conference defeats. Saturday’s matchup with the Gators featured one of those moments from Kelly toward wide receiver Chris Hilton Jr.

The two things – a loss and intense player conversation – appearing in concert did not help Kelly’s perception amongst Tigers’ fans.

Kelly is now 26-11 as LSU’s head coach. Barring a surprise loss to Vanderbilt (6-4) or Oklahoma (5-5) to end the regular season, it’d be shocking to see the university move on from him. But in this day and age of college sports, anything could happen. Until LSU confirms he’ll return, his status may truly be up in the air.

Post Edited By: Nidhi
Brian Kelly Florida gators LSU Tigers

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Braden Ramsey

Braden Ramsey has always been a big NFL fan. He has written about the league for various outlets, and covered the sport at a number of levels throughout his life. His favorite team is the Baltimore Ravens. When he's not writing, Braden can be found enjoying comedy of all kinds and hanging out with friends.

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