Brian Kelly has coached for a long time. He’s seen plenty of assistants come and go, with some going on to be head coaches. Two of those names include Mike Elko and Clark Lea. Both worked under Kelly as defensive coordinator and both are now SEC head coaches.
Kelly will get to face both in 2024, with both appearing on LSU’s schedule.
Kelly was asked about facing Mike Elko earlier this week at SEC Media Days. Kelly said Elko is a smart football coach who will play to Texas A&M’s strengths in all three phases of the game.
“I think that’s why Mike’s going to do very, very well at Texas A&M,” Kelly said.
Elko was Kelly’s defensive coordinator for the 2017 campaign at Notre Dame before leaving to take the same job at Texas A&M. That 2017 unit allowed just 21.3 points per game and helped Notre Dame secure a win over LSU in the Citrus Bowl.
Lea spent more time under Kelly. He was the LBs coach on that 2017 staff, but was promoted to DC after Elko’s departure. He remained in that role until he took over Vanderbilt in 2021.
Lea was asked about his time with Kelly last year and had this to say.
“He’s a guy I love having in the league and I stay in touch him with him,” Lea said.
Vandy Coach Clark Lea on his time with Brian Kelly pic.twitter.com/ewd0RCC5Mz
— Mitchell Gibbs (@mitch_gibby9874) July 18, 2023
LSU will face Elko and Texas A&M in College Station on Oct. 26. The Tigers are set to host Lea and Vanderbilt on Nov. 23.
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