Kelly Attorneys Accuse LSU of Hindering Job Search in Buyout Fight

Former LSU head coach Brian Kelly's attorneys have accused the university of actions that have severely hampered his ability to secure new employment, escalating a contract dispute over a $54 million buyout following his dismissal last month.

Kelly, 64, was removed from his coaching duties on October 26, one day after the Tigers' 49-25 loss to Texas A&M. The move came during a challenging season for the program, which has since won its last two games under interim coach D.J. Durkin, including a 13-10 victory over Western Kentucky. LSU is set to conclude its regular season against No. 8 Oklahoma on Saturday.

In letters dated November 18 and addressed to athletic director Verge Ausberry and board of supervisors member John H. Carmouche, Kelly's legal team challenged LSU's initial position that he had not been formally terminated. The attorneys described the university's stance as contrived, arguing there was no basis for claims that Kelly was not fired or that cause existed for his dismissal. They contended that LSU's refusal to confirm a without-cause termination, combined with unspecified allegations of misconduct, has jeopardized Kelly's prospects during the peak college...