Entering his second season coaching in the SEC, LSU's Brian Kelly has playfully addressed his evolving Southern accent. Kelly, whose accent went viral after a 2021 appearance before LSU basketball fans, recently quipped that it's only improved with time.
Speaking at SEC Media Days, Kelly joked, "My accent's pretty solid now, even better after all the recruiting. It does shift a bit, though, depending on whether I'm in North or South Louisiana. Lake Charles? That's a whole other story!"
The Massachusetts native previously denied faking a Southern accent on Barstool Sports’ "Bussin’ With the Boys" podcast, calling the idea "absurd." He explained that a Boston accent combined with time in the Midwest and South naturally leads to some vocal changes.
"Having a Boston accent already makes things interesting in the Midwest, let alone down South," Kelly remarked. "My accent's a bit unusual to begin with, so adding another layer to it would just be crazy."
Accent or not, the Tigers are in a stronger position compared to last year. Kelly led the team to a 10-4 record in his first season, including a victory over Alabama and an appearance in the SEC Championship game.
Kelly acknowledged the team's progress while emphasizing the need for continued improvement in the competitive SEC. "We've achieved a lot in a short time, and consistency is key to building lasting success," he stated. "Alabama and Georgia consistently compete for championships, and that's our goal at LSU. We want to be in the championship conversation year after year, not just as a one-time thing."
LSU kicks off the 2023 season against Florida State.
