LSU Fires Brian Kelly Owing $54M Buyout After Disappointing Season

LSU has fired head football coach Brian Kelly following a disappointing 5-3 season in 2025, including a blowout loss to Texas A&M. The decision came after heated discussions involving LSU administrators, Athletic Director Scott Woodward, and even Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry, with Kelly clashing with Woodward over coaching staff decisions. Kelly, who began coaching LSU in 2022 after a successful tenure at Notre Dame, struggled this season with offensive performance issues despite high expectations, leading to fan dissatisfaction and chants demanding his dismissal. The university faces a significant financial obligation, owing Kelly a buyout of approximately $53 to $54 million, one of the largest in college football history. Associate head coach Frank Wilson is expected to serve as interim head coach following Kelly's departure. LSU's move reflects the pressure to improve results amid administrative transitions and fan frustration.