LSU Terminates Kelly Without Cause, Pays $54M Buyout

Louisiana State University has formally terminated former head football coach Brian Kelly without cause, paving the way for the school to pay him a $54 million buyout, according to multiple reports from university officials and Kelly's legal team. The decision, conveyed in a letter dated November 27, 2025, resolves a contentious dispute that had lingered since Kelly's dismissal last month and clears financial hurdles as LSU pursues a replacement.

Kelly, 64, was relieved of his duties on October 26, eight games into his fourth season with the Tigers, following a 23-13 home loss to Texas A&M that left the team with a 5-3 record. Over three-plus seasons in Baton Rouge, Kelly compiled a 34-14 overall record and a 19-10 mark in Southeastern Conference play. His tenure began promisingly with an appearance in the SEC championship game in 2021, his first year after leaving Notre Dame, but the program faltered in subsequent seasons amid mounting expectations and inconsistent results.

The firing sparked immediate controversy over Kelly's contractual obligations. LSU initially hesitated to confirm a formal termination, reportedly exploring options to classify the move as "for cause" to...