Paul Finebaum says Brian Kelly still has plenty to learn

Brian Kelly has only been the LSU coach for a few days, but he’s already developed a new accent. So what else does he have to learn as he gets acclimated in Baton Rouge?

ESPN personality Paul Finebaum discussed that on The Dan Patrick Show on Thursday. Patrick asked Finebaum if Kelly knew what he was getting into going from Notre Dame to LSU.

“I think on one level he does,” Finebaum said. “I don’t think he understands the lingo and, frankly, there’s no way you can. I’ve been to Louisiana and it’s an incredible place, but the only guy who I think ever really understood it is Ed Orgeron, and he just got fired. I think you almost have to throw that out.

“Nick Saban looked lost 18 years ago when he parachuted in there from East Lansing. Remember the famous story, they sent the plane for his staff and Saban’s the only guy that got off. Nobody else was leaving with him. Eventually, a few more joined him. That’s just the way it is.”

Finebaum also addressed Kelly’s “fit” at LSU. Basically, he said, “fit” doesn’t always apply when a coach takes a new job. It all comes down to one thing: winning.

“I think fit is overrated a little bit,” Finebaum said. “As soon as you can start winning, fans will love you. They don’t care who you are or where you’re from.”

ESPN analyst, former LSU star weighs in Brian Kelly move to Bayou

Former LSU football player and current ESPN analyst Booger McFarland knows what Brian Kelly must do to attain success. To McFarland, it comes down to keeping the talented recruits close to home.

“The fit is all about – can you coach and can you relate to the talent that’s in the state?” he said on Thursday’s Paul Finebaum Show. “If he does, Brian Kelly will win a National Championship in 3 to 5 years. If he can’t, he won’t – it’s as simple as that.”

It’s clear looking at Kelly’s track record that he can coach. In 12 years with Notre Dame, he amassed a 113-40 overall record and two appearances in the College Football Playoff. The Fighting Irish also made the BCS Championship game in 2012, Kelly’s first season.

Notre Dame has the No. 7 overall class in the 2022 On3 Consensus Team Recruiting Rankings, with nine players ranked inside the top 100. Additionally, he nabbed a pair of four-star recruits from the state of Indiana in offensive tackles Joey Tanona and Ashton Craig.

Even with his impressive resume, Kelly will have to hope results come quickly in Baton Rouge. LSU announced this year would be coach Ed Orgeron’s in the middle of this year, two seasons removed from a national championship. He finished 67-47 overall with the Tigers.

The fans expect to win, and that means every season.