In a shocking turn of events, LSU has fired head coach Brian Kelly after a disappointing 2025 season. The decision comes amidst high expectations and a 5-3 season record that fell short of the program’s lofty goals.
This move marks a significant change for LSU. Kelly now joins the ranks of the most expensive buyouts in college football history.
Below, let’s dig into why LSU made this call, what it means for their finances, and what might be next for the Tigers.
Brian Kelly’s Tenure at LSU
LSU hired Brian Kelly hoping he’d lead the Tigers to SEC and national championships. But things just never clicked.
Despite a strong recruiting push and heavy investment in the roster, Kelly’s teams couldn’t get past nine regular-season wins. That lack of progress led to his dismissal.
The 2025 Season: A Turning Point
The 2025 season really sealed Kelly’s fate. LSU started out with plenty of optimism but stumbled fast, dropping key games and falling short of what fans expected.
The Week 9 loss to Texas A&M was brutal. Chants of Fire Kelly echoed through Tiger Stadium, and it felt like the writing was on the wall.
The team’s offense struggled badly, averaging their fewest points per game since 2009. They also posted their lowest yards per game since 2011.
Financial Implications of Kelly’s Firing
Letting Kelly go isn’t cheap. LSU owes him more than $52 million as part of his buyout, which is wild—it’s the second biggest buyout in college football history.
This kind of financial hit shows just how much pressure comes with leading a powerhouse like LSU. Sometimes, schools have to swallow a huge bill to try to get back on track.
Comparing Buyouts
Kelly’s buyout is massive, but not unheard of. Here are some of the biggest in college football history:
- Jimbo Fisher – Texas A&M: $76.8 million
- Brian Kelly – LSU: $53.8 million
- James Franklin – Penn State: $49 million
It’s honestly staggering to see how much universities are willing to pay for top coaching talent—even when things go sideways.
Leadership Changes and Interim Coach
With Kelly out, LSU has named running backs coach Frank Wilson as interim head coach. The idea is to steady the ship and prep for what’s next.
The school will open a 15-day transfer portal window five days after they hire their next coach. That window could be crucial for reshaping the roster.
Potential Candidates for LSU’s Next Head Coach
LSU Athletic Director Scott Woodward doesn’t shy away from big swings. The search for Kelly’s replacement will likely feature some major names, including:
- Lane Kiffin
- James Franklin
- Jimbo Fisher
- Dabo Swinney
- Nick Saban
Some of these names might sound like long shots, but with Woodward, you never really know. He tends to go after whoever he thinks will win, no matter how bold it seems.
The Future of LSU Football
LSU has a proud history and a reputation for winning. The three head coaches before Kelly all won national titles, so the bar is sky-high.
With a strong recruiting pipeline and deep Louisiana ties, LSU remains one of the most desirable coaching jobs in the sport.
Recruiting and Roster Development
Even with all the chaos, LSU’s recruiting hasn’t fallen off. The Tigers’ 2026 recruiting class currently sits at No. 11 overall, per 247Sports.
That gives the next head coach a real foundation to build on—maybe enough to get the Tigers back into championship conversations sooner than people think.
Conclusion
LSU fired Brian Kelly, and honestly, that’s a huge moment for the football program. The move carries some major financial consequences.
But maybe there’s a silver lining here. The program gets a chance to reset and chase something new.
They’re already on the hunt for a new head coach. LSU still seems dead set on chasing championships and keeping that competitive fire alive, both on the field and off.
If you’re curious about the details or just want to know what’s next, check out CBS Sports.
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