The LSU Tigers are stepping into the 2026 college football season as one of the most talked-about programs in the nation—and they're not afraid of the spotlight.

After a turbulent final season under Brian Kelly, LSU made a bold move by hiring Lane Kiffin away from Ole Miss in a controversial coaching change. Now, Athletic Director Verge Ausberry is making it clear that the program is fully behind its new leader—and he isn't holding back when it comes to explaining why the previous era fell short.

In a candid interview with USA Today, Ausberry praised Kiffin's early impact while delivering pointed criticism of Kelly's tenure. According to Ausberry, the difference in approach has been night and day.

"He'll go out there and have that conversation with the donors and the people who support the program and say, 'We need your help,' and give them his cell number," Ausberry said of Kiffin. "He's not one who'll say, 'OK, I don't want people to contact me. I don't want people to touch me. I don't want people to be around me.' That's who we had. That's why we got what we got."

Ausberry didn't mince words when describing the disconnect that plagued the program under Kelly. "There was no feel, there was no connection between the LSU football program, the coach, and the fans," he added.

The AD further explained that Kelly never seemed to make an effort to build relationships with alumni and key supporters. "There was no connection and no building," Ausberry said. "Not many employees connected."

Kiffin, on the other hand, has already immersed himself in the LSU community, meeting with donors and fans in a way that his predecessor avoided. The Tigers are hoping that this renewed energy and personal touch will translate into championship success on the field.

With the spotlight firmly on Baton Rouge, LSU fans have plenty of reasons to be excited—and a new coach who's ready to connect with them every step of the way.