The tension was thick on the LSU sidelines during their recent game as Brian Kelly’s fiery sideline demeanor took center stage again.
The target of his latest outburst? Wide receiver Chris Hilton Jr. It’s been a rocky season for Hilton, who started the year as a promising asset for the Tigers before a foot injury sidelined him for a significant stretch. His much-anticipated return came against Texas A&M, but his struggles to regain form have been evident.
Unfortunately, these issues carried into the weekend’s game, where Hilton once again mistimed a jump on what could have been a big gain. Cameras captured an animated Brian Kelly confronting Hilton on the sidelines after the play.
I am not a professional lip reader….
— Hunter McCann (@mccann_hunter) November 16, 2024
But…
Sure did look like Brian Kelly told Chris Hilton this on the sideline…
“Don’t walk away from me! You are f**king uncoachable. Who the f**k do you think you are?”#LSU #Florida #SEC pic.twitter.com/L9v5sr5OUf
Kelly’s intensity on the sidelines has become something of a hallmark this season.
From Shelton Sampson to Garrett Nussmeier, several players have faced his passionate critiques. However, what caught viewers’ attention during this game was Kelly’s reported comment, allegedly calling Hilton “uncoachable.”
Whether or not this specific remark was made, the frustration was evident and has fueled speculation about potential internal issues within the LSU locker room.
Of course, it didn't take long for Kelly to go viral, especially as many LSU fans began to turn on their head coach, who has already lost three games on the season and was struggling with a bad Florida team.
Fire Brian Kelly #LSU
— Captain of the Stars (@MrBaseball75) November 16, 2024
Fire Brian Kelly at the half https://t.co/2Zu02uXceh
— Jiggy (@jiggyinyamouth) November 16, 2024
FIRE BRIAN KELLY #LSU
— Trev Broussard (@trevxfn) November 16, 2024
If LSU loses to Florida you have to fire Brian Kelly, he has no clue how to call plays anymore.
— Himothy (@b1gbrrrr) November 16, 2024
Flurries of hundreds of posts on X were filled with passionate remarks against Brian Kelly, not just for his meltdowns against players, but for his coaching ability.
Kelly, in his third season at LSU, seemed to have the Tigers set up well for a run in 2024. Though they were losing some key pieces, including quarterback Jayden Daniels, there was reason to believe that LSU would be able to compete for a College Football Playoff berth.
However, after an embarrassing loss to Alabama at home last weekend, those hopes were greatly diminished. A terrible showing against Florida isn't helping LSU's case, either.