LSU has officially fired head football coach Brian Kelly, ending his tenure after three seasons and triggering one of the largest buyouts in college football history. The move follows a disappointing 2025 campaign that fell far short of championship expectations, despite Kelly’s blockbuster 10-year contract signed in 2021.
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Brian Kelly’s 10-Year, $95 Million Contract
When LSU athletic director Scott Woodward lured Brian Kelly away from Notre Dame in November 2021, it was one of the boldest hires in modern college football. Kelly signed a 10-year deal worth $95 million, with 90 percent guaranteed, making him one of the highest-paid coaches in the nation.
- Base salary: Just under $10.2 million per year (USA Today database)
- Contract term: Through the 2031 season
- Guarantee: Approximately $85.5 million (90 percent of total value)
At the time, the move was hailed as a coup for LSU — a program seeking a return to national title contention after the Ed Orgeron era.
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How Much LSU Must Pay Brian Kelly After Firing
Because Kelly was fired without cause, LSU is responsible for paying 90 percent of his remaining guaranteed salary under the contract.
Estimated Buyout Figure
Based on current reports from CBS Sports, Sports Illustrated, and On3, LSU’s buyout obligation to Kelly sits around $53 million.
- CBS Sports estimate: ≈ $52.38 million
- On3 projection: ≈ $53.29 million
- Sports Illustrated summary: “About $53 million+”
That figure makes Kelly’s dismissal one of the costliest firings in college football history, rivaling the buyouts of Jimbo Fisher at Texas A&M and Gus Malzahn at Auburn.
Offset Clause
Kelly’s contract includes an offset clause, meaning if he accepts another coaching position next season — whether in college or the NFL — his new salary will be subtracted from what LSU owes. Still, even with offsets, the Tigers face an enormous financial burden.
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Why LSU Fired Brian Kelly
LSU officials reportedly made the decision after days of high-level discussions, concluding that the program’s performance no longer aligned with its championship standards. Despite strong recruiting classes and offensive flashes, the Tigers struggled defensively and failed to contend for the SEC West title.
By early evening Sunday, school leaders informed Kelly of the decision, setting off immediate questions about the program’s future — and about how to handle the enormous payout.
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Financial and Program Implications
If the $53 million buyout figure holds, LSU will owe one of the largest single-coach settlements in college athletics. The payment could significantly impact the athletic department’s finances, booster funding, and upcoming facility projects.
However, boosters are expected to contribute heavily, as they did in prior major coaching transitions. LSU’s athletic foundation and private donors typically shoulder a large portion of such costs.
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What’s Next for LSU Football
LSU will begin an immediate national coaching search. With the Tigers’ recruiting base and financial backing, the position remains one of the most coveted in college football. Early speculation has linked names like Lane Kiffin, Mike Norvell, and Dan Lanning, though LSU has not made any official contact.
As for Kelly, he is now one of the most expensive coaching departures in college football history — and could quickly resurface if another major program or NFL team seeks an experienced leader.
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Key Takeaways
- Brian Kelly is officially fired as LSU’s head coach.
- His 10-year, $95 million deal was 90 percent guaranteed.
- Buyout: Estimated ≈ $53 million, among the largest in history.
- Offset clause means new job income reduces LSU’s payment.
- LSU faces major financial implications but will move swiftly to find a replacement.