LSU football is hoping for a breakthrough in Brian Kelly’s fourth year leading the program. In three years with the Tigers, Kelly has led LSU to an SEC West title and two 10-win seasons. But the Tigers are looking to take that next step into the College Football Playoff.
Kelly knows the stakes are high. After landing the No. 1-ranked transfer class in the country and returning quarterback Garrett Nussmeier, reaching the playoff — and maybe more — is the expectation.
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If LSU doesn’t compete for an SEC title and make the field of 12, there will be questions about Kelly’s job status in Baton Rouge.
Earlier this week, CBS Sports released its hot seat rankings, gauging the firability of every coach in the FBS. CBS rated the coaches on a scale with five, meaning “win or be fired,” and anything under one means the coach is “untouchable.”
Kelly earned a 3.33, putting the LSU head coach in the “pressure is mounting tier.”
If LSU reaches the playoff, even with a first-round loss, Kelly’s job is likely safe. If LSU comes close but falls just short with double-digit wins, it’s probably enough, too.
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But if LSU goes 8-4 again, there will be talk about LSU making a move. Kelly has strong support from the administration and has won a lot of football games — both facts work in his favor. But the expectation at LSU is to win national championships.
This article originally appeared on LSU Wire: Where LSU’s Brian Kelly ranks in CBS Sports’ 2025 hot seat rankings
