In a stunning development, LSU has dismissed head football coach Brian Kelly during his fourth season, following a 49–25 home loss to Texas A&M on October 25. The Tigers, once ranked in the top 10, have now fallen to a 5–3 record, including a 2–3 mark in Southeastern Conference play.
Athletic Director Scott Woodward announced the decision on Sunday evening, citing the program’s inability to meet the high expectations set by the university. Kelly, 64, leaves Baton Rouge with a 34–14 overall record and a $54 million buyout clause—the second-largest in college football history.
A Disappointing Tenure
Kelly’s tenure at LSU began with optimism after he left Notre Dame in 2021, signing a 10-year, $95 million contract. However, despite a strong start, the program struggled to achieve the success expected at a school with LSU’s resources and tradition. The Tigers reached the SEC Championship game once and won three lower-tier bowl games under Kelly’s leadership.
The tipping point came after the Texas A&M defeat, which was preceded by a loss to Vanderbilt. Fans voiced their displeasure with chants of “Fire Kelly!” during the game, and even Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry was reportedly involved in discussions about Kelly’s future.
Interim Leadership and Future Plans
Associate head coach Frank Wilson has been named interim head coach for the remainder of the season. LSU has initiated a national search for a permanent replacement, with several prominent candidates already being speculated.
The firing of Kelly adds to a list of high-profile coaching changes this season, including dismissals at Penn State and Florida. With LSU’s storied history and resources, the head coaching position is expected to attract significant interest from top-tier candidates.
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