Brian Kelly details exactly what drew him to LSU, joining the SEC

Brian Kelly isn’t afraid of the microscope he’ll be under as the new leader of the LSU Tigers. In his introductory press conference, Kelly elaborated on his fearlessness when it comes to the spotlight.

“You’re looked at in-terms of championships here. I want that .. to be under the bright lights,” stated Kelly. “I want to be on the Broadway stage. That’s what my passion is. Yeah, that’s part of the draw — there’s no doubt about that.”

Furthermore, Kelly was asked if he believes the LSU job provides him his best opportunity to win a national championship.

“I would only say that this opportunity, for me, was one that I was ready for and excited to take on,” stated Kelly. “.. I think each opportunity you measure differently. This opportunity is clearly different than any other opportunity I’ve had.”

While Kelly has had to opportunity to play for a national championship in the past, it’s evident that the LSU job could help him reach the pinnacle. As the Tigers searched for their next head coach, it was highly publicized that the last three LSU coaches have all won championships.

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Brian Kelly signed a 10-year contract worth $95 million, according to a press release announcing his hiring.

Kelly was the head coach for the Fighting Irish for 12 seasons, amassing a 92-39 record in that span. He turned them into a constant in the College Football Playoff conversation, making two playoff semifinals and appearing in the 2012 national championship. There has been nothing but consistency at Notre Dame with Kelly, winning at least 10 games over the past five years.

The news comes amidst an 11-1 season and with Notre Dame on the brink of a berth in the College Football Playoff. If the Fighting Irish do make the Playoff, Kelly will be the first head coach to be in the Playoff while also taking a new head coaching job.

Notre Dame is currently at No. 6 in the committee’s latest rankings, but should move up following Ohio State’s loss to Michigan. Once that happens, a loss from one of Alabama, Cincinnati or the Wolverines in their respective conference title games could be the impetus for a Playoff appearance for the Irish.

With his arrival in the Bayou, Kelly takes over for a program that fired head coach Ed Orgeron less than two seasons after winning a national championship. Oregon was 51-20 overall with the Tigers, but just an even 11-11 over the past two seasons.

LSU finished the regular season 6-6 with a 3-5 record in the SEC. Orgeron announced after his final game with the Tigers this past weekend he will not be coaching in the bowl game.