'Building consistency': Kelly, LSU still in climbing phase - ESPN

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — LSU defensive lineman Mekhi Wingo and running back Josh Williams both delivered the same pointed message about the Tigers entering this season: «We're coming.»

But LSU coach Brian Kelly tamped down runaway expectations on Monday at SEC media days.

«They're coming,» he told ESPN, «but I don't know that they're there yet.»

The Tigers surprised many by going 10-4 in Kelly's first season in charge, including an overtime win over rival Alabama. But they followed that signature victory with a close call at Arkansas and losses to Texas A&M and Georgia.

LSU defeated Purdue handily in the Citrus Bowl to close out the season.

Entering this season, expectations are even greater.

But Kelly said he came to LSU knowing that would always be the case, whether it was Year 2 or Year 3.

Kelly referenced LSU women's basketball coach Kim Mulkey and LSU baseball coach Jay Johnson recently winning national championships.

«The bar is set that you're playing for championships,» Kelly said. «But, again, that's why I took the job.»

Kelly said the key is consistency.

«There's two programs that are a model of that. It's Georgia and Alabama,» he said. «We're new to that. And one of the reasons why I'm in this position is that there wasn't consistency. So, building consistency, you've got to do it more than just one year. You've got to do it year in and year out. We're not there yet.»

Kelly cited the roughly dozen transfers they brought in via the portal this offseason as evidence that the roster is not fully formed yet.

«That's the first indication you're not there yet, but we're coming,» he said. «We're getting better, we have better depth. I think there's a great sense that you can develop in this program. I think that's why