LSU Fires Brian Kelly, Wilson Named Interim Coach

LSU fired head coach Brian Kelly on Oct. 26 after a 5–3 start this season, ending a four‑season run at 34–14 as athletic director Scott Woodward cited unmet expectations. Multiple reports and analysts attributed the ouster to Kelly’s increasingly hands‑off, “CEO‑style” approach and lapses in offseason roster construction and recruiting, and his buyout is reported to be roughly $54 million. The program immediately reshuffled staff: offensive playcaller Joe Sloan was dismissed, tight ends coach Alex Atkins will serve as interim offensive coordinator and call plays, and associate head coach Frank Wilson was named interim head coach (endorsed by quarterback J.T. Curtis). LSU also secured a commitment from three‑star receiver Kervin Johnson Jr. amid the upheaval. The school now faces a dual leadership scramble — replacing the coach and navigating a concurrent presidential vacancy with reported political scrutiny — while trying to retain players ahead of NFL departures and the transfer portal opening Jan. 2. High‑profile names such as Lane Kiffin have already been linked to the vacancy as a formal coaching search begins.