re: Do you think BK believed he was doing what it took to win?

No

Yes.

The problem was those decisions were made using the context of an era of college sports that no longer exists.

Remember, BK was hired at the end of the 2021 season. At that time there was no 100% certainty the "1 time free transfer" rule brought about by 2020 would continue, and NIL was still new. Thus, his approach to roster building was hit the portal hard out of necessity to rebuild a depleted roster, but revert back to the "normal" way of roster building the following season. LSU lost key players from the 2022 defense, a defense that carried them for many games that season. However, instead of bringing in starters from the portal, he planned to reload from within...the way it had always been done. The result was the decent defense from 2022 was horrible in 2023 because of no talent.

That same mindset led to this season. At the end of 2023 BK chose to place emphasis on HS recruiting rather than coaching ability when he kept Sloan and Hankton, which basically led to Denbrock leaving. He felt LSU needed to keep its primary focus on recruiting the HS ranks, including Underwood. That ultimately proved to be unwise when money simply talked. Relationships don't matter where then is a much bigger offer on the table. If Underwood signs with LSU, BK likely doesn't hit the portal hard. Imagine what would have happened then. LSU would not have had as good of a defense, which would have been combined with an AWFUL offense due to a bad OC and basically all of their NIL money wrapped up in a freshman backup QB.

Moral of the story: Don't hire guys who long for the way things used to be done and resist change. Hire the guy that embraces the new world and is willing and able to adapt with the changes

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so you’re saying he’s not a good CEO?

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No, he is NOT a good CEO coach at LSU when you have hired bad assistant coaches. You know I didn't understand "bad fit" until I read the article that had some of what I mentioned in there. Did you know that SUPPOSEDLY Kelly if he was out of touch when a recruit called that he would tell that coach that took the call to take a message and set up an appointment call later. That MIGHT work at Michigan or Notre Dame but down south where recruiting is a blood sport that MIGHT work only with LA kids.

Business example from the past: Scully I think his name is was a good CEO at Pepsi, got hired to be CEO at Apple, and screwed the pooch. Location and culture matter which is why I think people used the phrase "bad fit" for Kelly at LSU.

I don't think he ever had control of the locker room to be honest. Everything he did seemed so forced. If the players don't believe in you, it doesn't matter what kind of talent you have.

He was averaging 9.667 wins a season. Even if you have a 7 win season you are averaging 9 a year.

I think he figured with the contract he signed it would take a sub 8 win season and a sub 7 win season for us to consider letting him go.

The man did not talk to his DC or OC the week of the Texas A&M game. What the heck. Comes from a Great source !

His hands were tied. He was not allowed to fire Davis.

I think kelly did not realize what it takes to win in the sec and just got lazy

No

Idk what BK thought but I know what about 90% of LSU thought. National champs baby