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The original was posted on /r/cfb by /u/harionfire on 2025-09-28 19:26:49+00:00.
Over the last few years, I’ve watched these two coaches lead their teams to seasons with similar results each year, with the 3 year average being almost identical.
Season Records:
2022
LSU (Brian Kelly): 10–4
Ole Miss (Lane Kiffin): 8–5
2023
LSU: 10–3
Ole Miss: 11–2
2024
LSU: 9–4
Ole Miss: 10–3
Average Roster Star Composite Ratings:
2022
LSU: 3.54
Ole Miss: 3.29
2023
LSU: 3.59
Ole Miss: 3.27
2024
LSU: 3.68
Ole Miss: 3.43
What stands out to me is how they appear to treat their players on the sidelines. Brian Kelly seems to lead out of fear and is quick to scold his players. Comparatively, Kiffin seems to encourage his players when they make a mistake and steps in to have fun with them.
It’s interesting because we see the same in the workplace, day to day. A company full of talented people will be exhausted and lack the drive to accomplish great things if led out of fear of always losing their job whereas a company led with positivity and encouragement will find people working harder than they would otherwise to accomplish a goal. Have you ever experienced this? It’s fascinating.
Lane Kiffin has accomplished similar results despite a weaker roster year over year to Brian Kelly which leads me to wonder based on what we’ve seen in the games: could Brian Kelly be a truly great coach if he would just chill out?
Nick Saban got his respect out of teaching fundamental discipline.
Lane Kiffin got his respect out of being encouraging to his players.
Brent Key got his respect out of being encouraging to his players.
Brian Kelly doesn’t seem to have his players respect.
And who knows what’s going on with James Franklin.