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The LSU Tigers are heading into a new college football era following the dismissal of now-former head coach Brian Kelly. After beginning his fourth season in Baton Rouge with a 4-0 record, Kelly and the Tigers dropped three of their last four games. He was fired after LSU’s 49-25 loss to the undefeated Texas A&M Aggies in Death Valley. Kelly finishes his LSU coaching tenure with a 34-14 overall record. “When Coach Kelly arrived at LSU four years ago, we had high hopes that he would lead us to multiple SEC and national championships during his time in Baton Rouge,” LSU athletic director Scott Woodward said in a statement. “Ultimately, the success at the level that LSU demands simply did not materialize, and I made the decision to make a change after last night’s game.” Kelly left his successful position as head coach of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish to take over as the Tigers’ program leader before the 2022 college football season, signing a 10-year, $100 million contract. His contract buyout costs LSU more than $50 million. Now, LSU is on the hunt for its next head coach. BATON ROUGE, LOUISIANA – OCTOBER 25: Head coach Brian Kelly of the LSU Tigers walks off the field after a game against the Texas A&M Aggies at Tiger Stadium on October 25, 2025 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. (Photo by Tyler Kaufman/Getty Images) More Football: Lane Kiffin Responds to Backlash Over Postgame Behavior vs Oklahoma College football analyst Josh Pate believes the Tigers should go after another Notre Dame head coach in Marcus Freeman. Freeman, who took over as Kelly’s replacement in South Bend, coached the Fighting Irish to the College Football Playoff National Championship game last season. “I’m telling you, if I’m running the search at LSU,” Pate said during an appearance on ESPN’s “Get Up,” via On3 Sports. “I’m making Marcus Freeman tell me ‘No.’ I don’t care that I just went to Notre Dame and it failed. That guy right there embodies the toughness, the characteristics. He’s got swagger that I can combine with championship resources. I can get transfers into LSU a lot easier than I can Notre Dame. He’s got to tell me ‘No’ before I ever move to option two on my list.” The Golden Standard ☘️The 2024 Dodd Trophy Coach of the Year Marcus Freeman headlines the 2025 Dodd Trophy Midseason Watch List. #GoIrish☘️ | @thedoddtrophy | @Marcus_Freeman1 pic.twitter.com/xNvnA5JnOQ— Notre Dame Football (@NDFootball) October 22, 2025 More Football: Deion Sanders Assistant Under Fire Over Pregame Behavior vs Utah Freeman has a 38-12 overall record as head coach of Notre Dame. The Fighting Irish have notched wins in each of their last five games after an 0-2 start to the 2025 season, suffering season-opening losses to Miami and Texas A&M. For now, LSU is operating under interim head coach Frank Wilson.
