LSU's athletic director, Verge Ausberry, has taken a shot at Brian Kelly, the former coach of the LSU football program. Ausberry claims that Kelly's tenure at LSU was marked by a lack of connection with the program, its alumni, and its fans. This is in stark contrast to Ausberry's vision for the future of LSU football, which he describes as a return to the 'Saban model'.
Ausberry's comments come in the wake of Lane Kiffin's hiring as the new head coach of LSU. Kiffin, who previously worked under Saban at Alabama, is expected to bring a more hands-on approach to the program, engaging with alumni, boosters, and donors more directly. Ausberry believes that this will help rebuild the connection between the team, its supporters, and the broader LSU community.
The 'Saban model' is a reference to the highly successful approach taken by Nick Saban during his time as LSU's head coach. Under Saban, LSU football achieved a level of success that Ausberry hopes to replicate. This includes winning a national championship within four seasons, a feat that Kelly failed to achieve during his time at LSU.
Ausberry's criticism of Kelly's leadership is particularly notable given his personal connection to the program. As a lifelong LSU fan and a former player, Ausberry has a deep understanding of the expectations and traditions associated with the university's football team. He believes that Kelly's lack of engagement with the program's stakeholders contributed to a sense of disconnection and apathy among fans.
The LSU-Texas A&M game, in which LSU lost 49-25, is cited by Ausberry as a turning point. The game highlighted the lack of connection between the team and its fans, as evidenced by the hollowed-out stands and the sparse crowd in the fourth quarter. Ausberry argues that this kind of performance is unacceptable and that it underscores the need for a more engaged and connected coaching staff.
Despite the controversy surrounding his hiring, Ausberry is confident that Kiffin will be a success at LSU. He believes that Kiffin's ability to connect with the program's stakeholders will help restore the team's reputation and performance. The upcoming season will be a crucial test for Kiffin, as he aims to lead LSU back to the top of college football.
In conclusion, Ausberry's comments highlight the importance of a strong connection between a college football program and its stakeholders. He believes that this connection is essential for success and that it is something that Kelly failed to establish during his time at LSU. With Kiffin's hiring, Ausberry sees an opportunity to restore the program's glory and reconnect with the LSU community.
