LSU sack Brian Kelly in 4th season of his 10-year, $100 million deal

LSU has dismissed head football coach Brian Kelly in the fourth year of his 10-year, roughly $100 million contract, athletic director Scott Woodward announced Sunday night. The decision followed a 49-25 loss at home to No. 3 Texas A&M, marking the Tigers’ second consecutive defeat and their third in the last four games. LSU now sits at 5-3 overall and 2-3 in Southeastern Conference play, falling short of expectations for a program with championship ambitions.


“When Coach Kelly arrived at LSU four years ago, we had high hopes that he would lead us to multiple SEC and national championships during his time in Baton Rouge,” Woodward said in a statement. “Ultimately, the success at the level that LSU demands simply did not materialize, and I made the decision to make a change after last night’s game. I am grateful for the ongoing consultations and support of the LSU Board of Supervisors and Interim President Matt Lee in this decision. We wish Coach Kelly and his family the very best in their future endeavors. We will continue to negotiate his separation and will work toward a path that is better for both parties.”


Kelly joined LSU from Notre Dame after Ed Orgeron stepped down following the 2021 regular season. Over four seasons, Kelly compiled a 34-14 record, including a trip to the 2022 SEC Championship Game. Despite consistent competitiveness, the Tigers failed to qualify for the College Football Playoff during Kelly’s first three years. This season’s loss to Texas A&M all but eliminated any realistic playoff hopes.

The playoff format expanded from four to twelve teams in 2024, raising expectations for programs like LSU. Woodward emphasized that the university will not compromise on excellence or lower its standards. LSU last won a national championship in 2019 under Orgeron, who departed after failing to post a winning record in his final two seasons.

While Kelly did not bring postseason glory, he did oversee quarterback Jayden Daniels’ development into a Heisman Trophy winner in 2023, a notable achievement during his tenure. LSU may owe Kelly tens of millions in buyout money, though the exact figure remains uncertain. Woodward noted that both parties are continuing to negotiate the terms of separation and hope to find a mutually beneficial outcome.

Looking ahead, Woodward expressed confidence in LSU’s ability to attract a leader who can uphold the program’s culture, embrace community values, and meet the university’s unyielding championship standards.