The real work begins with Brian Kelly in charge at LSU

I don’t know if LSU AD Scott Woodward is a poker enthusiast, but with the eyes of the college football world transfixed on LSU awaiting a coaching hire, he had to feel like he was a World Series of Poker Finalist.

Woodward didn’t flinch when things appeared to take a downward turn (although we may never really know for sure). He stared straight ahead and said,” I call,” pulling as ace (Brian Kelly) out of his sleeve. At this point, he probably leaned back in his chair, smiled and declared, “We Won!”

As impressive as the hire is, now the hard work really begins.

The new LSU football coach will have to re-recruit the existing Tigers on the roster. With the transfer portal always as a player’s option and some considering the NFL early, Kelly wants to get everyone on board, starting with a heart to heart conversation. He hopes to impress upon those eligible to return that the program needs them and that brighter days are ahead. Players have to be shown just where they fit into the program moving forward.

Assembling the right staff is vital. With the proper assistant coaching staff and support group, Kelly is capable of holding his own in the SEC. Matching wits with the likes of Nick Saban, Jimbo Fisher and Lane Kiffin is made easier if he can fully tap into LSU’s strong recruiting base. It’s a sure bet that at least two or three current staff members from ’21 will be retained.

Kelly targeted Marcus Freeman, his defensive coordinator, and Tommy Rees, his offensive coordinator from Notre Dame as possibilities but the latter is a former Irish quarterback who decided to remain at his alma mater while the former will be his new boss as Kelly’s replacement as head coach in South Bend.

Regardless, Kelly will have a big budget to find coordinators and a top-notch staff in Baton Rouge.

The squeaky clean image Kelly brings to the program will be a major plus for the University. As the face of the Tiger football, he will most likely be afforded numerous appearances on national shows, along with some commercials. He will promote the program in just the right ways.

This is a major step for the LSU brand, if you consider how noticeably it had fallen within the past year or so. Moving forward, there will be news emanating from LSU about new coaching hires, recruit commitments and general anticipation for the 2022 football season.

LSU has newfound momentum with the December 15th early signing day drawing closer. Since the announcement of Orgeron’s departure, there has been some defections from the commitment list. Kelly has to mend the fences and hopefully,\ convince those former pledges to return to the Purple and Gold fold.

And speaking of fences, Kelly and his staff have to secure the Louisiana border from outside poachers, cutting off any exodus of top talent leaving the state.

The depth chart has a couple of areas that require immediate attention. Players transfer for a variety of reasons. It’s very important to bring in a good player, but also to get the right player to fit your system and culture.

What about the potential early entry draft candidates?

Tyrion Davis-Price is a prime example. The life of a running back has limitations. He may try to capitalize on the success that he had this season, exceeding the 1,000-yard rushing barrier. Is he focused on the NFL Draft or is he willing to listen to what the new staff has in mind for him. the Baton Rouge product has about a month or so to decide whether or not to declare.

Offensive guard Chasen Hines is in a different spot. The ’21 season was not what he expected. Injuries played a role in his performance, and he might consider taking advantage of the mulligan year that the NCAA afforded from the 2020 COVID season to play the extra year in 2022. It offers a chance to improve his stock and help LSU take that next step.

Jay Ward, Jaray Jenkins, Cordale Flott and place kicker Cade York are others who have to make that same call. LSU would be better off with their returns.

Woodward confirmed just how much LSU fans love a winner as well as the crucial point that the university’s vision and Brian Kelly’s vision were aligned. Woodward made it clear to all that Kelly “is not just here to win, he’s here to win championships.”

Brian Kelly is raring to go, embracing the next challenge. The 60-year old knows that there will be pressure.

“I came down here because I wanted to be with the best. You’re looking at it in terms of championships. I want to be under the bright lights. I want to be on the Broadway stage. My job is to put an exciting, winning football team on the field,” Kelly explained.

As he wrapped up his first press conference, Kelly relayed a message that he left with the players the day before.

“The meet and greet yesterday, giving (the team) a kind of the lay of the land relative to what the expectations are relative to what has already been laid out there in terms of excellence in academics and athletics, and now we’ve got a lot of work to do.”

Woodward’s work to hire Kelly is only the first step. The long road to a return to national title contention now begins in earnest.