Brian Kelly Revisited (RIP BOZO)

[Ndaccountant]

This why BK was so frustrating. What he is saying I think is what Freeman is doing today. But the way he explains is what gets everyone all pissy. He should lead with a focus on LSU first and painting a picture that showcases all the perceived benefits of LSU and stating we will be competitive in NIL and ending with something like "if all they care about is an upfront paycheck, our job is to show them the difference and we need to do a better job of that". That is functionally the message he is saying but how he words it and describes it is pure word vomit.

I know he has a comms person and has had one for YEARS and this still happens. I don't think he is dumb, but I think his ego and lack of humility prevents him from truly changing.

 

[Katzenboyer]

You think? I’m not implying he’ll win a NC, but in two seasons, he’s won his division and brought the team to the SEC Championship and produced a Heisman winner, one he convinced to transfer.

The DT situation sucks; however, it wasn’t reasonably foreseeable that Masson Smith would jump into the NFL draft (smart move as he was a 2nd round pick).

We missed on a couple of transfers playing the NIL game. Sucks as at this point, we just need warm bodies, but not the end all be all. They’re currently recruiting their asses off. Hope it sticks.

He's a terrific head football coach. But in order to win the natty, he's going to need to recruit on the level of Kirby, Saban, and dare I say Ed O. recruit/recruited. I'm not sure he can do that.

Definitely off to a good start this year, but I'd be wary because this sounds a lot like the "we're shopping down a different aisle" line that he constantly fell back on during his time in South Bend.

 

[IRISHDODGER]

He's a terrific head football coach. But in order to win the natty, he's going to need to recruit on the level of Kirby, Saban, and dare I say Ed O. recruit/recruited. I'm not sure he can do that.

Definitely off to a good start this year, but I'd be wary because this sounds a lot like the "we're shopping down a different aisle" line that he constantly fell back on during his time in South Bend.

I heard Tom Lemming talking about BK’s recruiting efforts on a pod recently. He said when he was at ND he made a habit of not contacting players (through 3rd parties like HS HC) during the season. Lemming said when he was at Leonard Fournette’s HS talking to his HC, he got calls from Saban, Miles & Kiffin while he was there. This was just as an example as he acknowledged Fournette likely couldn’t get into ND academically, but you get the point. You have to out work your competition or at least be in the mix to even have a shot at the studs.

 

[NorthDakota]

"Selling something differently"? Didn't know you could use that line at LSU. lol

Louisiana is based on the French legal system rather than the English common law system.

Its different!

 

[IrishLax]

This why BK was so frustrating. What he is saying I think is what Freeman is doing today. But the way he explains is what gets everyone all pissy. He should lead with a focus on LSU first and painting a picture that showcases all the perceived benefits of LSU and stating we will be competitive in NIL and ending with something like "if all they care about is an upfront paycheck, our job is to show them the difference and we need to do a better job of that". That is functionally the message he is saying but how he words it and describes it is pure word vomit.

I know he has a comms person and has had one for YEARS and this still happens. I don't think he is dumb, but I think his ego and lack of humility prevents him from truly changing.

Yes, because he frames it like an excuse and it's all "coach speak." You are 100% correct.

He either needed to 1) keep his mouth shut 2) say "we've got a plan and it's XYZ" or 3) say "if you want us to win bidding wars then donate more money, because demand is outstripping supply and we don't have the $$ to compete right now at the going rate."

Instead he's pretending that LSU has something to sell besides being a football factory? GTFO.

 

[greyhammer90]

Louisiana is based on the French legal system rather than the English common law system.

Its different!

All rise! Oh yey oh yey oh yey, this daiquiri drive-thru is now in session, the honorable Caleb Crawdad presiding. God save the state. You may now open your voodoo chip bags and be seated.

 

[Cackalacky2.0]

I kind of get it... if they had solid numbers on the DL. You get bad vibes if they only thing the guy talks about his whole visit and via every phone conversation is "how much can you give me?"

But when you're hitting the portal hard for primarily ONE position group where you've only got like 3 true d-linemen, and you pretty much whiff on anybody of note? And you're trying to do it at a school that has been buying players since before it was actually legal?

Maybe you should suck it up and go ahead and shop down the necessary aisle, BK.

If this is what it takes to gain parity from the schools breaking the rule forever than im totally fine with it.

 

[zelezo vlk]

Louisiana is based on the French legal system rather than the English common law system.

Its different!

 

[IHateMarkMay]

All rise! Oh yey oh yey oh yey, this daiquiri drive-thru is now in session, the honorable Caleb Crawdad presiding. God save the state. You may now open your voodoo chip bags and be seated.

 

[DONTH8]

Instead he's pretending that LSU has something to sell besides being a football factory? GTFO.

Having your coach grind on you isnt something to sell?

 

[T-Boone]

I take it LSU would have been going after TAM transfers and the like, they would be all about whoever the highest bidder is. Honest answer from BK.

 

[dublinirish]

Yes, because he frames it like an excuse and it's all "coach speak." You are 100% correct.

He either needed to 1) keep his mouth shut 2) say "we've got a plan and it's XYZ" or 3) say "if you want us to win bidding wars then donate more money, because demand is outstripping supply and we don't have the $$ to compete right now at the going rate."

Instead he's pretending that LSU has something to sell besides being a football factory? GTFO.

Its definitely option 3. Saban used the same thing in the early NIL days and then they were out and got Gibbs from GT after weeks of him saying NIL was ruining CFB

 

[Irish du Nord]

Louisiana is based on the French legal system rather than the English common law system.

Its different!

“Get ready to learn Parishes buddy”

 

[forkbeard3777]

I take it LSU would have been going after TAM transfers and the like, they would be all about whoever the highest bidder is. Honest answer from BK.

We missed out on Damonic Williams (TCU --> Oklahoma) and Simeon Barrow (Michigan State --> Miami). I know we've brough in a community college guy originally signed with UGA out of high school and another guy that transferred from Wisconsin. Sucks. We're so light at DT right now.

 

[forkbeard3777]

This why BK was so frustrating. What he is saying I think is what Freeman is doing today. But the way he explains is what gets everyone all pissy. He should lead with a focus on LSU first and painting a picture that showcases all the perceived benefits of LSU and stating we will be competitive in NIL and ending with something like "if all they care about is an upfront paycheck, our job is to show them the difference and we need to do a better job of that". That is functionally the message he is saying but how he words it and describes it is pure word vomit.

I know he has a comms person and has had one for YEARS and this still happens. I don't think he is dumb, but I think his ego and lack of humility prevents him from truly changing.

He's just your standard "Masshole." I mean, he's not the type I'd want to get a beer with, but it is what it is, and that's his personality at its core.

 

[ndfanatic78]

We missed out on Damonic Williams (TCU --> Oklahoma) and Simeon Barrow (Michigan State --> Miami). I know we've brough in a community college guy originally signed with UGA out of high school and another guy that transferred from Wisconsin. Sucks. We're so light at DT right now.

Thats the story of BK's D1 head coaching career. Always severely depleted in at least one position if not multiple.

 

[ulukinatme]

You think? I’m not implying he’ll win a NC, but in two seasons, he’s won his division and brought the team to the SEC Championship and produced a Heisman winner, one he convinced to transfer.

The DT situation sucks; however, it wasn’t reasonably foreseeable that Masson Smith would jump into the NFL draft (smart move as he was a 2nd round pick).

We missed on a couple of transfers playing the NIL game. Sucks as at this point, we just need warm bodies, but not the end all be all. They’re currently recruiting their asses off. Hope it sticks.

"Recruiting their asses off" and BK aren't usually used together in the same sentence. I wish you luck though. BK is running into dangerous territory in the next few years. A lot of the talent he's had to work with were guys that Ed O brought on board. In the coming years the upperclassmen starters will all be his guys. We'll see if his recruiting and scouting analysis have paid off or not.

 

[HouseofPain]

You think? I’m not implying he’ll win a NC, but in two seasons, he’s won his division and brought the team to the SEC Championship and produced a Heisman winner, one he convinced to transfer.

The DT situation sucks; however, it wasn’t reasonably foreseeable that Masson Smith would jump into the NFL draft (smart move as he was a 2nd round pick).

We missed on a couple of transfers playing the NIL game. Sucks as at this point, we just need warm bodies, but not the end all be all. They’re currently recruiting their asses off. Hope it sticks.

Fork do you really think that he convinced Daniels to come to LSU from AZ because of BKs extensive success and production from the QB position or do you not think there wasnt some serious clams handed over? If you take the 1st door, then I have some ocean front property to sell to you sight unseen. BK has always been really short on the integrity stat.

 

[HouseofPain]

"Recruiting their asses off" and BK aren't usually used together in the same sentence. I wish you luck though. BK is running into dangerous territory in the next few years. A lot of the talent he's had to work with were guys that Ed O brought on board. In the coming years the upperclassmen starters will all be his guys. We'll see if his recruiting and scouting analysis have paid off or not.

LSU will always be decent because of the great local talent in the state. People love to slam on Louisiana but those kids bleed football there. Big difference between Louisiana and most states. I mean, Lord knows Les Miles won a NC there. But getting the next level kid from another state to come to play for him has never been BKs strong point and I think it will show in future dividends.

 

[Katzenboyer]

LSU will always be decent because of the great local talent in the state. People love to slam on Louisiana but those kids bleed football there. Big difference between Louisiana and most states. I mean, Lord knows Les Miles won a NC there. But getting the next level kid from another state to come to play for him has never been BKs strong point and I think it will show in future dividends.

Not only is the talent absurd, but almost all of those kids grow up wanting to go play for LSU. They're the only show in town.

Much different than other deep talent pools like Alabama ('Bama and Auburn), Georgia (Kirby has done a good job trying to keep a lot of the talent in-state, but the Florida schools and Clemson do a great job recruiting there), Florida (everyone and their mother recruits there), and Texas (in-state competition between A&M and UT, plus everyone else trying to get their piece).

I'd argue LSU probably has the best "home field advantage" in college football when it comes to recruiting their home state.

 

[bobbyok1]

Just going to leave this here…

I was waiting for him to say "In year 33 (or how ever many years he's been coaching)" and "relative to".

 

[HouseofPain]

Not only is the talent absurd, but almost all of those kids grow up wanting to go play for LSU. They're the only show in town.

Much different than other deep talent pools like Alabama ('Bama and Auburn), Georgia (Kirby has done a good job trying to keep a lot of the talent in-state, but the Florida schools and Clemson do a great job recruiting there), Florida (everyone and their mother recruits there), and Texas (in-state competition between A&M and UT, plus everyone else trying to get their piece).

I'd argue LSU probably has the best "home field advantage" in college football when it comes to recruiting their home state.

Back when Saban was at LSU, he hit Mobile and Baldwin county which Alabama for whatever reason seemed to neglect. Was a lot of talent out of there. That is where Russell came from when Saban won that NC at LSU. But that isnt an option for LSU anymore.

 

[forkbeard3777]

"Recruiting their asses off" and BK aren't usually used together in the same sentence. I wish you luck though. BK is running into dangerous territory in the next few years. A lot of the talent he's had to work with were guys that Ed O brought on board. In the coming years the upperclassmen starters will all be his guys. We'll see if his recruiting and scouting analysis have paid off or not.

Orgeron left the cupboard extremely bare. We had such little talent it was unreal. Currently, for 2025, Kelly has the #1 National player (Bryce Underwood), the #1 WR, the #2 RB, and a handful of other elite players. It's early, however...let's see if he can hold onto them.

 

[forkbeard3777]

Back when Saban was at LSU, he hit Mobile and Baldwin county which Alabama for whatever reason seemed to neglect. Was a lot of talent out of there. That is where Russell came from when Saban won that NC at LSU. But that isnt an option for LSU anymore.

Nick Saban may have gotten a grand total of 1 or 2 players from the Mobile and Fairhope area, seriously. JaMarcus Russell and Chevis Jackson are the only ones I can think of. 98% of Saban's roster were Louisiana kids. He knew all he needed to do was "lock down" the state, which was previously raided by FSU, Nebraska, Tennessee, Colorado, Miami, etc.

Conversely, when Saban was at Alabama, he really tapped into Louisiana. Many of the Alabama greats were all Louisiana kids, sadly. There is a lot of talent in the Gulf Coast region, however.

Much credit goes to Notre Dame alum Gerry DiNardo and his "bring back the magic" campaign and getting RB Kevin Faulk.

 

[Irish#1]

All rise! Oh yey oh yey oh yey, this daiquiri drive-thru is now in session, the honorable Caleb Crawdad presiding. God save the state. You may now open your voodoo chip bags and be seated.

 

[forkbeard3777]

Fork do you really think that he convinced Daniels to come to LSU from AZ because of BKs extensive success and production from the QB position or do you not think there wasnt some serious clams handed over? If you take the 1st door, then I have some ocean front property to sell to you sight unseen. BK has always been really short on the integrity stat.

I'm not really sure. I think it more has to do with look what we've got to work with (Malik Nabers, Brian Thomas, Jr., Kyren Lacy) and have consistently worked with in the past (Justin Jefferson, Odell Beckham, Ja'Marr Chase, Josh Reed, Jarvis Landry, Buster Davis, Michael Clayon, Brandon Lafell). That would make the most sense, in my opinion. I don't remember Daniels lighting it up at ASU; thus, not sure he'd warrant a big payday.

 

[Fbolt]

If you're looking to get paid, you need to be a D1 HC like me.

 

[BobbyMac]

I'm not really sure. I think it more has to do with look what we've got to work with (Malik Nabers, Brian Thomas, Jr., Kyren Lacy) and have consistently worked with in the past (Justin Jefferson, Odell Beckham, Ja'Marr Chase, Josh Reed, Jarvis Landry, Buster Davis, Michael Clayon, Brandon Lafell). That would make the most sense, in my opinion. I don't remember Daniels lighting it up at ASU; thus, not sure he'd warrant a big payday.

He was better with Brandon Aiyuk, Eno Benjamin and Ricky Pearsall as a true freshman than he was his first year at LSU with all that talent.

Then Denbrock told thT converted NAIA LB coach to go work on his creole and proceeded to turn Daniel’s into a Top 3 pick.

 

[forkbeard3777]

He was better with Brandon Aiyuk, Eno Benjamin and Ricky Pearsall as a true freshman than he was his first year at LSU with all that talent.

Then Denbrock told thT converted NAIA LB coach to go work on his creole and proceeded to turn Daniel’s into a Top 3 pick.

😂 The consensus from the “in the know” in Baton Rouge (take it for what little it’s worth) is that Joe Sloan was the mastermind behind Daniels’s improvement and the LSU offense. Who knows? Maybe so, maybe not. Wouldn’t be the first time at LSU (see 2019 LSU — Steve Ensninger as OC and Joe Brady as passing game coordinator and WR coach).

My guess is that the improvement had a lot to do with Denbrock and Sloan and very little to do with Kelly.

 

[a mike]

but I'd be wary because this sounds a lot like the "we're shopping down a different aisle" line

He's finished #6 and #7 in 247 Composite and currently has an average player rating of nearly 94 on 12 recruits with three 5-stars here in 2025

Its been like almost three years since the breakup, time to let go