Brian Kelly: Differences with Notre Dame administration played role in exit

LSU head coach Brian Kelly explained that fundamental differences with Notre Dame's administration played a role in his departure from the school.

"I just think we were at a different place," Kelly said on "The Paul Finebaum Show" on Wednesday. "The administration felt like they were in a position where they had done what they needed to do. I felt there was more that needed to be done, and I was fine with that decision."

The 60-year-old Kelly shared that there was no bitterness or ill feelings following his decision to leave the program. He also noted the opportunity to take the LSU job was a "time and place" situation that he couldn't pass up.

Kelly helped build the Fighting Irish into a national contender, leading the team to two appearances in the College Football Playoff. He's also the program's all-time winningest coach with 113 career victories.

"I loved my time at Notre Dame, and those will be memories that I keep with me forever. ... But I think there's a time in everybody's career where you feel like there's another challenge out there," Kelly said.

Set to make his SEC debut in 2022, Kelly is eager to measure himself against some of the best competition in the sport. He emphasized building up the standard for the program after the Tigers posted a 6-7 campaign in 2021.

Meanwhile, the Fighting Irish promoted defensive coordinator Marcus Freeman to replace Kelly after his departure to LSU.

The Tigers announced in October that former coach Ed Orgeron wouldn't be retained despite leading the school to a national title in 2019. LSU posted an 11-11 mark in two seasons following its championship campaign.

Kelly will make his LSU debut when the Tigers take on Florida State on Sept. 4.