Overview
- Ausberry, in a Thursday interview with USA TODAY, said Brian Kelly’s tenure lacked any real “connection” to staff, former players, and fans.
- He said LSU is “going back to the Saban model,” a setup where the head coach runs the whole operation and works directly with donors, fundraising, and name‑image‑likeness support.
- Ausberry argued Lane Kiffin fits that approach, citing his willingness to meet boosters, share his cell number, and make former players feel welcome in the facility.
- The change followed Kelly’s 34-14 run and a faltering 2025 stretch that included a home collapse to Texas A&M, which Ausberry pointed to as evidence the program had a deeper issue.
- Kiffin arrived from Ole Miss with experience under Nick Saban and a polarizing reputation, and his first season will be in the spotlight with ESPN’s College GameDay for Clemson‑LSU and an early return to Oxford.