Brian Kelly has been one of the most talked-about head coaches for the past few weeks. Well, there’s a mix of contributing factors. The LSU Tigers lost against an in-form team like the Vanderbilt Commodores and took another loss against Texas A&M. LSU’s patience thus ran thin, and they finally hit the trigger on Kelly. But so what? That did not save their former head coach’s name from making the headlines, yet again. Given these points, a former LSU player dug up his bitter past with Kelly this time.   

On October 27, former LSU defensive back Matthew Langlois called Kelly “one of the worst humans” he ever encountered. He re-tweeted Olivia Cleary’s tweet, although the tweet no longer appears. However, with similar reports emerging, Matthew wrote his own experience: “I was FORCED to medically retire before I could get a 2nd or 3rd opinion. When I was playing very well before my injury, I’d hear from Coach Kelly quite often. The second I got injured, not a word since. Genuinely one of the worst humans I’ve been around, ever.” 

Summarizing the player, Langlois signed up with Kelly’s squad in 2021. Back then, he was a Top 5 safety nationally and a Top 5 prospect in the Bayou State, having wrapped up a standout career at Catholic of Pointe Coupee. However, his LSU chapter has not been smooth. In 2021, he appeared in nine games but got stalled after a season-ending injury. The following season, too, saw him sidelined. Then came July 2024, after he went missing from spring practices last season.

Langlois was no longer listed on the LSU active roster, as On3 Sports confirmed his decision to retire from the game. A year or more later, Kelly had a significant role in this decision, according to reports. Back then, Langlois did not throw Kelly under the bus. He took it on himself, “God had other plans and although I would have loved to play for LSU, my body just can’t now.” Now that Kelly has been fired from LSU, he opened up about how he has been “FORCED.”

“Unless you were producing positively for him on the field, he could care less about you,” Langlois said. “He’d pass me in the hallways, not a glimpse, not a word. He’s only in it for the money and himself. Absolutely ruined the culture of LSU football and I hope people see the real Brian Kelly.” It’s a fresh time for LSU as they seek a refresher. 

Frank Wilson steps into the scorched field left by Brian Kelly

The Tigers are yet to finalize their next head coach. For now, Frank Wilson is stepping into Kelly’s shoes. And we can assume that the LSU fans are letting out a gigantic sigh of relief. After all, even before Kelly held the reins, former head coach Les Miles hired Wilson back in 2010 as the running back coach and recruiting coordinator. Ever since then, he’s been on a roll.

He has added several feathers to his cap – Rivals’ National Recruiter of the Year Award in 2011, NFL.com’s Top Recruiter in College Football in 2014, and Scout.com’s SEC Recruiter of the Year in 2015. Not just this, before his Tigers’ chapter, he served in multiple roles. Wide receivers coach at Tennessee, running backs coach at Southern Miss, and so on. But no matter what, Kelly has left a ground filled with burning hot coal to step into.

“When Coach Kelly arrived at LSU four years ago, we had high hopes that he would lead us to multiple SEC and national championships during his time in Baton Rouge,” Director of Athletics Scott Woodward announced after jumping to a conclusion about Kelly. While Wilson might not get a permanent seat, the $18M Louisiana local has picked up the buzz for being Kelly’s successor.

Analyst Cole Cubelic tweeted, “Odds to be the next LSU Head Coach per @BetOnline_ag.” The Tulane Green Wave football coach, Jon Sumrall, is the first on the list. What sets him apart? He gets the SEC. Unlike Brian Kelly, who came to Baton Rouge with zero southern roots, Sumrall speaks the language, forged in the grind of Kentucky and Ole Miss defenses before becoming a top pick for the Troy job.

Sumrall built a dynasty at Troy in two short years, 23 wins, four losses, and two straight Sun Belt championships. Will he take up Kelly’s broken program that last won a Natty in 2019?