LSU Fires Brian Kelly After Disappointing Season, $52M Buyout

BREAKING: LSU has officially fired head coach Brian Kelly after a disappointing 2025 season that saw the Tigers struggle to meet high expectations. Reports from CBS Sports confirm that the decision comes amid a tumultuous day of meetings in Baton Rouge, culminating in Kelly’s ousting after a 5-3 record this season.

The financial implications of this decision are staggering, with LSU set to pay Kelly over $52 million as part of one of the largest buyouts in college football history. This buyout ranks as the second most expensive ever, trailing only the historic contract of Jimbo Fisher at Texas A&M.

Kelly, who was hired in 2021, faced mounting pressure following a lackluster performance, particularly after a recent blowout loss to No. 3 Texas A&M where fans chanted “Fire Kelly” as the team succumbed to a 49-25 defeat. The Tigers are currently averaging their lowest points per game since 2009, a stark contrast to the expectations set when Kelly was brought on board.

As the turmoil unfolded, it was reported that Kelly arrived at the football facility expecting to fire offensive coordinator Joe Sloan following disappointing results. Instead, the culmination of the season’s failures led to his termination. Frank Wilson, the running backs coach, will step in as interim coach while LSU seeks a permanent replacement.

This high-profile coaching change comes at a crucial time for LSU, which has ambitions of competing for the SEC championship and aiming for its first College Football Playoff berth under Kelly’s tenure. Despite a strong recruiting class rated No. 1 by 247Sports, the team has struggled offensively, leading to frustration among fans and administration alike.

LSU’s athletic director, Scott Woodward, who orchestrated Kelly’s initial hiring, now faces the challenge of navigating a crowded coaching landscape that includes programs like Penn State and Florida also seeking fresh leadership. The expectation for a home-run hire is palpable as the coaching carousel begins to spin more rapidly.

The fallout from this decision is significant. LSU’s inability to capitalize on its top-tier talent, including Heisman Trophy winner Jayden Daniels, has left fans and stakeholders disillusioned. Kelly’s tenure, marked by a 34-14 record, will be remembered for its potential unfulfilled; he never led the Tigers to more than nine regular-season wins in any of his four seasons.

As the college football world watches closely, one pressing question remains: What’s next for Brian Kelly? The seasoned coach, now 64 years old, may have options as the coaching carousel spins, but this marks a pivotal moment in his career, having never been fired before. Should he choose to take a break from coaching, it would be the first time since 1990 that he has not held a head coaching position.

With LSU on a bye this weekend before a critical matchup against rival Alabama, all eyes will be on how this leadership change impacts the team moving forward. Fans are eager to see if the interim coaching staff can revitalize the program amidst ongoing expectations for excellence.

This urgent development not only reshapes the future for LSU football but also highlights the intense pressure and expectations that come with high-profile college coaching positions. As the search for Kelly’s successor begins, the stakes couldn’t be higher for a program determined to return to glory.