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LSU has fired head coach Brian Kelly after just four seasons, the school announced Sunday. The move comes as the Tigers sit at a disappointing 5-3 in 2025, falling well short of championship expectations. Kelly’s buyout—a staggering $53.8 million—will be the second-largest payout to a coach in college football history.
“When Coach Kelly arrived at LSU four years ago, we had high hopes that he would lead us to multiple SEC and national championships during his time in Baton Rouge,” LSU athletic director Scott Woodward said in a statement. “Ultimately, the success at the level that LSU demands simply didn’t materialize, and I made the decision to make a change after last night’s game. I’m grateful for the ongoing consultations and support of the LSU Board of Supervisors and Interim President Matt Lee in this decision. We wish Coach Kelly and his family the very best in their future endeavors. We’ll continue to negotiate his separation and will work toward a path that’s better for both parties.”
Sunday was chaotic in Baton Rouge. Kelly arrived at the football facility around 8:30 a.m. planning to evaluate his staff and make significant changes. But after a meeting with Woodward that “did not go well,” according to sources, Kelly left the facility—and by evening, he was out of a job.
Running backs coach Frank Wilson will take over as interim coach for the remainder of the season.
The Tigers’ players will get a 15-day transfer portal window that opens five days after LSU hires its next coach (the NCAA’s regular transfer window runs Jan. 2-16).
Big-Money Buyout
Kelly’s $53.8 million buyout is nearly unprecedented—only Jimbo Fisher’s $76.8 million from Texas A&M earlier this month tops it. Woodward, who made that splashy Fisher hire at Texas A&M, now has orchestrated two of the most expensive coaching separations in sports history.
Louisiana governor Jeff Landry apparently played a role in the decision. After Saturday’s embarrassing 49-25 loss to Texas A&M, Landry tweeted: “LSU needs to rethink their actions to raise ticket prices for next year after tonight’s showing!”
LSU had gone all-in on competing for championships this season. They assembled the top-ranked transfer class in the country according to 247Sports, loading up on talent to make a run at the expanded College Football Playoff.
The defense improved significantly with the new additions, but the offense struggled badly. The Tigers are averaging their fewest points since 2009 and fewest yards since 2011—a stunning reversal for a program that had quarterback excellence with Heisman winner Jayden Daniels and NFL prospect Garrett Nussmeier during Kelly’s tenure.
Fans’ frustration boiled over during Saturday’s loss to the Aggies, with “Fire Kelly” chants echoing throughout Tiger Stadium as LSU squandered a halftime lead.
Who’s Next at LSU?
Woodward is known for pursuing big-name coaches, and this search should be no different. Lane Kiffin and recently fired Penn State coach James Franklin will likely be on the list, but three wild cards could dominate the conversation:
- Jimbo Fisher: It seems absurd on the surface, but remember it’s Woodward who hired Fisher at Texas A&M with that record-breaking contract. Fisher has deep LSU ties and a national championship on his resume. If you can ignore his last two seasons at A&M, this reunion makes sense.
- Dabo Swinney: Clemson’s coach is having his worst season since 2010. Would he want a fresh start in a place where he might culturally fit better than Kelly did? Baton Rouge could be appealing if Swinney’s looking for a change.
- Nick Saban: He just said “I want to stay retired” this week, but if any non-Alabama job could tempt him, it’s LSU—where he won his first national title. It’s a longshot, but Woodward’s history suggests he’ll at least make the call.
LSU’s 2026 recruiting class currently ranks No. 11 nationally per 247Sports. Their 2025 class ranked seventh but took a hit when top quarterback recruit Bryce Underwood flipped to Michigan, where he’s now starting as a true freshman.
Kelly’s Legacy at LSU
The 64-year-old Kelly went 34-14 in Baton Rouge but never won more than nine regular-season games. His teams typically hovered near SEC contention but always fell short, losing at least two conference games every year.
LSU peaked at No. 3 in the AP poll this season—the highest ranking of Kelly’s tenure. His teams reached the top 10 in each of his four years but couldn’t break through to championship level.
What’s particularly frustrating for Tiger fans is that Kelly couldn’t deliver championships despite having elite quarterback play throughout his tenure.
What’s Next for Kelly?
This is the first time in Kelly’s career that he’s been fired. He left each of his previous jobs—Grand Valley State, Central Michigan, Cincinnati and Notre Dame—for better opportunities.
At 64, Kelly faces a career crossroads. He could pursue another head coaching job immediately (there are plenty available) or take time away. If he sits out 2026, it would be his first year without a head coaching job since 1990.
Kelly’s career record stands at 297-109-2 across all five of his stops, including two Division II national championships at Grand Valley State.
Historic Coaching Carousel
Kelly is the 12th head coach fired this year and the 10th dismissed in-season. The 10 coaches fired before November marks the most in the FBS era (since 1978).
He’s also the eighth power conference coach fired this season—double the four that were dismissed all of last year and the most since 2022.
LSU: Top Job Available
LSU immediately becomes the most attractive opening on the coaching market. The program’s last three coaches before Kelly (Les Miles, Ed Orgeron, Nick Saban) all won national championships.
The program has recruited itself in the 21st Century thanks to its almost magical connection to the state of Louisiana, which ranks among the top talent-producing states in the country. Anything you can’t find in the state, you can find a short jaunt away to Houston. Prior to Kelly, the last three coaches won national championships with the program. There are some mild questions about whether LSU is prepared to compete at the zenith of monetary investment across college football, but this is a job that doesn’t just have championship upside — they have championship expectations.
247Sports’ Brandon Huffman ranks LSU No. 1 among available jobs, noting that “even though the Sunshine State has more talent, LSU keeps whoever it wants home.”
