Brian Kelly on falling short of expectations in 2023 despite reaching 10 wins

LSU managed to win 10 games in 2023 behind Heisman-winning QB Jayden Daniels and a high-octane offense. Yet, the year left a bad taste in some fans’ mouths after a poor defense prevented LSU from taking the next step.

It’s LSU’s turn at SEC Media Days on Monday and Brian Kelly kicked it off with an interview on the SEC Network Monday morning. Kelly was asked about LSU falling short of expectations in 2023 and had this to say.

“When we’re measuring success at LSU, and obviously top programs, being in the playoffs, playing for championships is the measuring stick, and we fell short of that. Whatever word you want to use, disappointment, failure, it all comes together in the same fashion,” Kelly said.

“10-win seasons are very difficult to come by, no matter what you do in this business, but at the end of the day I let go of my entire defensive staff, and those were good coaches, and they were good people, and they’ve been successful, so I must have seen that as a need to get better,” he added.

Kelly said 10 wins might be good enough for some coaches and some programs, but he knows that doesn’t cut it at LSU.

“It’s not good enough, and we need to be better,” Kelly said.

With the playoff expanding to 12, the expectation is for LSU to compete for a spot. But for that to happen, LSU needs to take a step forward on defense under new DC Blake Baker.

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