Notebook: What Brian Kelly Had To Say After Day 1 Of Fall Camp

Kelly harped on the status of the coaching staff, standouts this offseason, expectations and more.

Brian Kelly took the podium following Day 1 of LSU’s preseason practice as this program looks to take that next step and put it all together in 2023.

For Kelly, he understands the expectations heading into the season, but jumping each hurdle during fall camp is the top priority.

The Tigers decision maker harped on the coaching staff changes following Jimmy Lindsey stepping away from the program, the situation with the secondary and a position battle brewing on the offensive line.

Here are a few takeaways from Kelly’s presser:

Defensive Line Coach Jimmy Lindsey Steps Away

On Wednesday, it was announced defensive line coach Jimmy Lindsey will be away from the football program as he monitors a health scare suffered this week. 

With Lindsey focusing on his health, LSU will elevate a key piece to the staff to take over the big guys up front on defense.

“Defensive line coach Jimmy Lindsey will step away from the LSU Football program as he deals with a personal health matter,” Kelly said in a statement. “In Coach Lindsey’s absence, John Jancek will serve as defensive line coach, and Bob Diaco will coach outside linebackers and special teams. Our prayers are with Coach Lindsey and his family, and we ask that their privacy be respected. We look forward to his return to the program.”

Kelly reiterated the plan moving forward with his coaching staff for the foreseeable future during Thursday’s press conference, sending his thoughts to Lindsey’s family while feeling comfortable with the shakeup on staff.

“Both of these are trusting and valued coaches that have had opportunities to work with me at multiple stops along my career so I know them well,” Kelly said. “They’ll do an outstanding job for us in preparation of our players during camp.”

Kelly Confident in the Secondary

For most of Thursday’s practice, the wide receivers were getting the best of the secondary during one-on-one’s, but despite this, Kelly remains confident in his guys given the situation of the drills.

“We talked to the defensive backs about the deficit they have in this particular drill so they don’t get frustrated because there is no pass rush,” Kelly said. “They’re playing man-to-man on a field where the receiver can do all he wants out there. The drill is all about technique. It isn’t about a winner or loser… We’re really looking at that more than anything.”

Kelly is a perfectionist in the little things. It’s what creates a monster and he showed that during his first season in Baton Rouge. Now, bringing in several newcomers, he’s once again teaching them how to practice and develop technique.

“The observations are right, but the way you have to look at it is that it is a slander drill for the offense and really built on the technique of the defense,” Kelly said.

Competition at Center

LSU returns its entire offensive line from a season ago and this program understands the importance of the position group. On Thursday, we saw a first-team of Will Campbell (LT), Garrett Dellinger (LG), Charles Turner (Center), Miles Frazier (LG) and Emery Jones (LT).

But the center position could be up for grabs as Marlon Martinez enters the fold and Coach Kelly detailed how it’ll play out.

“[Charles] Turner coming back from injury was something that we were keeping an eye on. I think he’s made really good progress,” Kelly said. “[Marlon] Martinez got a chance to play a little bit for us last year, we were pleased with his performance. He needs to continue to work hard on his weight. From a weight standpoint he needs to stay vigilant.”

The Tigers will also cross-train Bo Bordelon this offseason, but Kelly is certainly excited to see a competition unfold at the center position.