The situation between LSU and Brian Kelly, the former head coach, is becoming increasingly bizarre. Recently, ESPN reported that Kelly’s attorney sent a letter to the university claiming that, technically, Kelly was “not officially fired.”
The lawyer contended in the letter that, due to this uncertainty, it has become “nearly impossible” for Kelly to find a new coaching position.
“LSU’s position—that Coach Kelly was not fired and that there were grounds for his termination—is completely unfounded,” the letter states. “The university’s actions, particularly its refusal to confirm that Coach Kelly was terminated without cause, along with unproven accusations of misconduct, have severely hindered his ability to secure another coaching job.”
“LSU’s actions have a continued negative impact on Coach Kelly, especially during this crucial time for recruitment,” the attorney added.
This letter was sent on November 18 to LSU Athletic Director Virge Ausberry and a Board of Supervisors member, John H. Carmouche.
Kelly made it clear that he “reserves the right to seek any and all damages to the fullest extent permitted by law” due to possible interference with his job search.
The backstory of Kelly’s dismissal is quite odd. After the LSU Tigers lost to Texas A&M on October 26, the university terminated Kelly, with then-Athletic Director Scott Woodward citing performance issues as the reason.
Shortly thereafter, Woodward himself was ousted by Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry, who stated that he would not be hiring another coach.
As the saga continues, Kelly filed a lawsuit earlier this month, claiming that LSU informed his agent that Woodward lacked the authority to terminate him and that he was not “officially terminated.”
The lawsuit also alleges that the university dismissed Kelly citing “just cause,” which has implications for a potential $54 million buyout of his contract.
In response to the lawsuit, LSU’s Board of Supervisors recently voted to grant authority to new president Wade Luce to formally notify Kelly of his termination.
This drama unfolds as LSU searches for a new head coach, with Ole Miss coach Lane Kiffin contemplating whether to accept positions at LSU or Florida, or stay put with the Rebels.
