Part 2/8:
The decision to part ways with Kelly did not come amid a sudden downturn but was the result of mounting frustrations within the LSU community and a pattern of disappointing performance. Kelly, who had been at LSU for four seasons, experienced a tumultuous tenure marked by high hopes followed by underwhelming results, including two home losses—most notably to Alabama and Texas A&M—that left fans and administration questioning whether the team was truly among the nation's elite.
The coach's tenure was characterized by a mix of significant talent recruitment and strategic decisions that ultimately fell short. Despite a strong home record of 20-2, the team struggled against marquee opponents, raising doubts about Kelly's ability to elevate LSU to championship contention.