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Just last week, Penn State fired head coach James Franklin after a third straight loss, leading to a $49 million buyout from the Nittany Lions to allow him out of his contract.
At the time, it seemed crazy that a university would be willing to shell out that much money, but former LSU head coach Brian Kelly’s potential buyout could rival Franklin’s.
After the Tigers made the decision Sunday night to fire Kelly, less than 24 hours after LSU fell to Texas A&M 49-25 for its third loss in the last four games, the two sides are still negotiating the financial terms of the split.
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LSU head coach Brian Kelly stands on the sideline during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Vanderbilt, Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025, in Nashville, Tennessee. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)
Kelly was in his fourth year of a 10-year, $100 million contract with LSU, which he signed after leaving Notre Dame. Kelly had $95 million in salary on that deal and 90% of that was guaranteed money.
LSU LAUNCHES FOOTBALL COACH BRIAN KELLY AFTER THIRD SEASON LOSS: REPORTS
Kelly and LSU athletic director Scott Woodward reportedly had a tense meeting Sunday morning, according to The Athletic. And during that meeting, Kelly’s $54 million buyout in his contract was discussed.
There was also a coaching confrontation, as Woodward reportedly wanted to make changes to Kelly’s staff, including removing offensive coordinator Joe Sloan. However, Kelly reportedly hit back, saying he would rather make other changes to his team.
LSU head coach Brian Kelly shouts at an official during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Vanderbilt, Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025, in Nashville, Tennessee. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)
This situation has even reached the highest levels of state government, as Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry reportedly met with the LSU Board of Supervisors regarding Kelly’s firing on Sunday evening.
The loss to Texas A&M was the final straw for many LSU fans, who were heard chanting “Fire Kelly” at Tiger Stadium Saturday during the loss. Kelly was asked about that possibility after the loss, which put them at 5-3 on the year and 2-3 in SEC play.
“It’s impossible for the head coach who has been here for four years and 35 years to do that, to think anything. [but keep coaching]”, he said via the New York Post. “It’s not my decision whether I’m here or not, but it’s what I will do.”
LSU head coach Brian Kelly speaking at the Omni Dallas Hotel on July 15, 2024. (Brett Patzke-USA TODAY Sports)
Kelly went 34-14 during his tenure with the Tigers.
“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, success at the level LSU demanded just didn’t materialize, and I made the decision to make a change after last night’s game.”
