The LSU Tigers are entering a new era, and their athletic director isn't holding back about what went wrong under the previous regime.

After four seasons under Brian Kelly that fell short of sky-high expectations—a 34-14 record, burned bridges across the program, and a mid-2025 firing—LSU is turning the page. The Tigers made a splash this offseason by hiring former Ole Miss head coach Lane Kiffin, then dominated the transfer portal to build a roster capable of competing for a College Football Playoff spot this fall.

But before moving forward, LSU athletic director Verge Ausberry wanted to take a hard look backward. In an exclusive interview with USA TODAY, he pinpointed the root of the problem: a lack of connection between Kelly and the LSU community.

"It's going back to the Saban model," Ausberry said, referencing the legendary coach who built LSU into a powerhouse. "Running the whole program. Then, you have to go do some things with alumni and do things with boosters and do things with fundraising, with NIL. You have to be a part of that."

That's where Ausberry sees a stark contrast with Kiffin. The new head coach brings a personality that's personable, outgoing, and willing to engage—whether at donor events, alumni gatherings, or on social media. It's a complete departure from Kelly's approach.

"That's what Lane will do," Ausberry explained. "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. 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."

For LSU fans looking to rep the new energy in Baton Rouge, this shift in culture is exactly what the program needs—and the gear to match it is already hitting the shelves.