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The LSU Tigers football program has not been particularly good since going 15-0 and winning a national championship in 2019. That LSU team featured current NFL superstars like Joe Burrow, Justin Jefferson, Ja’Marr Chase and Clyde Edwards-Helaire.
A depleted Tigers roster followed up that magic season with a 5-5 record in 2020 and then a 6-7 showing in 2021 that led to head coach Ed Orgeron getting the boot.
Orgeron, a Louisiana native known for his charismatic personality, took the firing in stride.
“I’m so grateful for my time at LSU. Ya know, some coaches have a shelf. Some coaches have 50 years, some coaches have 12, mine was six. Good! I got to tell you, we had a meeting, they said, ‘Coach, things are not going well.’ No shit, Ray Charles can see that, brother. [LSU AD] Scott Woodward is a friend of mine today, really a lot of respect for him and the way they handled me. He said, ‘Coach, you’ve got $17.1 million on your contract and we’re going to give it to you.’ I said, ‘What time you want me to leave and what door you want me out of?’”
His replacement, however, could not have a much different personality.
The Tigers made waves by poaching Notre Dame head coach Brian Kelly from the Fighting Irish. Kelly, unlike Orgeron, is known for his serious demeanor and unwavering temper.
The early returns have not been great, however. Yes, Kelly’s Tigers are 4-1 to start the season. But they’ve played a remarkably light schedule to start the season and dropped a brutal season-opener to Florida State.
Four straights win have LSU back in the AP Poll at No. 25, and now Kelly is doing whatever is necessary to keep the momentum rolling.
Brian Kelly Makes Huge Donation To LSU Athletic Department
Kelly made a huge investment in his own success on Friday when he made a $1 million donation to the Tiger Athletic Foundation.
Head Coach Brian Kelly and his family have committed $1 million to @lsutaf to support the construction of a new and improved athletic training room and recovery suite, which will support all LSU student-athletes.
🔗 https://t.co/VN8LeNe4Uz pic.twitter.com/EgiOAyYV1d
— LSU Football (@LSUfootball) October 7, 2022
The investment will support the construction of a new “athletic training room and recovery suite” that will be available to all athletes, not just football players.
Brett Feldman of The Action Network reports it’s the biggest donation by a sitting head coach in school history.
Brian Kelly & his family commit $1 million to the Tiger Athletic Foundation to support construction of LSU’s new athletic training room & recovery suite. Kelly’s donation is largest by sitting head coach in LSU history
— Brett McMurphy (@Brett_McMurphy) October 7, 2022
Kelly explained the move in detail in the university’s press release.
“Investing in the health and well-being of student-athletes is among the most important commitments a coach can make, and my family and I are honored and privileged to contribute to the expansion of our athletic training room and recovery suite,” Kelly said. “The commitment from TAF, LSU Athletics, and our partners in the community to provide the best sports medicine and comprehensive care to generations of Tigers is unwavering and unmatched, and we are grateful to be able to give back to all of our student-athletes.”
One thing is certain, nobody can question whether or not the bristly head coach is fully bought in on turning LSU around.