Play.
It wasn't easy to leave Notre Dame for LSU.
As he is introduced at LSU, Brian Kelly reflects on how he handled his departure from Notre Dame. The song is called "1:10."
2:57 PM
Brian Kelly said on Wednesday that he was going to become the head coach at LSU and that he didn't want to leave Notre Dame.
LSU made a huge announcement on Tuesday that it had signed Kelly to a 10-year contract.
Kelly left Notre Dame as the winningest head coach in the history of the program with a total of 113 wins.
Kelly told reporters at his introductory news conference that there was no plan in place as he entered the 2021 season. When I got the chance to talk to Scott Woodward, he presented a clear vision, the plan here and the opportunity, and it was an exciting vision for me to look at. I felt like I had to take on this opportunity as I got a chance to speak to more people.
On Monday, the news of Kelly's departure broke. He told the players in the team meeting that he wanted to "get in front of them" and tell them.
The decision to go to LSU was difficult for Kelly because he loved his former players.
"It's never easy when you leave, but we did our best," he said.
Kelly said that Notre Dame deserves to be in the playoffs.
He acknowledged his interest in bringing some of his former assistants with him to Baton Rouge, but he pointed out that they are still employed and not done with their season.
He said that the process would have to be worked on. Both sides have teams to coach.
Woodward confirmed on Wednesday that LSU will play in a bowl game.
The current setup is for offensive line coach Brad Davis to remain the interim head coach through the bowl game, but it wasn't something he and Woodward had discussed. Kelly said it was an open discussion.
Ed Orgeron was fired in October after five full seasons as LSU's head coach.
The LSU coach went 11-11 in the two seasons since his team won a national championship. He is owed $16.9 million.
"This is a historic moment for Louisiana State University," said President William F. Tate IV.
Woodward said he met with Kelly and he was convinced that the 60-year-old's "winning days are just getting started."
He said that his plan to take the program to the next level was the same as ours. He's not here to enjoy success. He's here to keep his vision for LSU football the same as ours. He's not here to fit in. He's here to change it. His expectations for LSU football are the same as ours. He's here to do more than win. He's here to win titles.
The alignment of the university president to the athletic director was what drew Kelly to LSU.
He said that he came down here to be with the best. The resources here are excellent. The standard of expectations starts with alignment. You're looked at in terms of titles. I want that. I would like to be under the bright lights. I would love to be on the Broadway stage. That's what I love. That is part of the draw.
