Louisiana State University (LSU) has fired head football coach Brian Kelly after a disappointing 2025 season, athletic director Scott Woodward announced on Sunday night. The decision comes just one day after the Tigers suffered a heavy 49-25 loss to Texas A&M, marking their third straight SEC defeat.
Kelly, who was hired in late 2021 on a massive 10-year, $95 million contract, will reportedly be owed over $54 million in buyout money. The school confirmed that discussions over the terms of his departure are still ongoing.
“We had high hopes that he would lead us to multiple SEC and national championships,” said Woodward in a statement. “Ultimately, the success at the level LSU demands did not materialize, and I made the decision to make a change after last night’s game.”
The news broke shortly after players were informed during a team meeting. Kelly, 64, reportedly left the office early Sunday afternoon and did not return. LSU is currently on a bye week, giving the team time to adjust before their next matchup against No. 4 Alabama on November 8.
Frank Wilson, LSU’s associate head coach and running backs coach, will take over as interim head coach.
Kelly leaves LSU with a 34-14 record over four seasons, winning just under 71% of his games. His time in Baton Rouge began with promise; he won the SEC West Division title in his first year and coached quarterback Jayden Daniels to a Heisman Trophy in 2023.
However, things quickly went downhill. The Tigers finished 8-4 in 2024 and entered this season with high hopes and new transfer talent, but their offense ranked just 82nd in scoring and 122nd in passing nationally. After a strong 4-0 start, LSU collapsed with three double-digit losses to Alabama, Florida, and Texas A&M.
Inside Tiger Stadium on Saturday, “Fire Kelly” chants echoed from frustrated fans as Texas A&M scored 35 straight points in the second half.
If fully paid, Kelly’s $54 million buyout would be one of the largest in college football history, second only to the record-breaking $77 million Texas A&M paid to fire Jimbo Fisher two years ago. However, the final payout could be reduced if Kelly takes another coaching job, as his contract allows for offsetting future earnings.
Kelly’s dismissal follows a growing trend in college football, universities cutting ties with high-profile coaches despite enormous financial penalties. Just two weeks ago, Penn State fired James Franklin, paying nearly $50 million in buyout.
LSU’s head coaching position remains one of the most prestigious – and demanding – in college football. Each of Kelly’s three predecessors (Ed Orgeron, Les Miles, and Nick Saban) won a national championship, setting an exceptionally high standard for success.
“When Coach Kelly arrived, we believed he could keep LSU among the elite,” said Woodward. “As a proud alum, I will not compromise in our pursuit of excellence.”
LSU will now begin a nationwide search for its next head coach, one who can meet the expectations of the school’s devoted fans and maintain the program’s winning tradition.
