Leadership Lessons from LSU Football Head Coach Brian Kelly [Video]

When you are a leader, being liked is not the goal, according to LSU Football Head Coach Brian Kelly. “If you want to be popular, sell ice cream,” he says.

For Kelly, leading isn’t about winning over everyone—it’s about driving excellence within his program, both on the field and behind the scenes. As a seasoned coach with over 30 years in the game, he knows leadership is more than just X’s and O’s; it’s about being a high-performing CEO who shapes every aspect of his organization, ensuring success and growth at every level.

While his fingerprints are all over the team’s playbook, his true focus lies in sports science, player development, and building relationships. “My best path to success is helping players become the best version of themselves,” says Kelly. Like any effective CEO, he recognizes that empowering those around him to excel is key. He admits that as he has matured in …