Brian Kelly has initiated legal action against LSU, claiming the university is attempting to sidestep a $54 million buyout by suggesting that he hasn’t been officially terminated. His last game was on October 25, where the Tigers lost to Texas A&M, and running backs coach Frank Wilson is currently serving as the interim head coach.
According to the lawsuit, Kelly’s legal team was informed by LSU representatives on Monday that the university intended to dismiss him for “just cause” in a bid to evade the buyout obligation.
The complaint states, “LSU representatives had a telephone conversation with Coach Kelly’s representative, during which LSU took the position that Coach Kelly had not been formally terminated and for the first time informed Coach Kelly’s representative that LSU believed grounds for termination for cause existed,” as reported.
Continuing, the legal filing asserts, “LSU has never alleged that Coach Kelly was terminated for cause or committed any conduct prior to November 10, 2025, that would justify such termination. On the contrary, LSU has repeatedly confirmed publicly and to Coach Kelly that the termination was due to team performance, not cause.”
When announcing Kelly’s departure, then-athletic director Scott Woodward expressed hopes that he would lead the team to significant championships but acknowledged that those results never came to fruition. Following the last game, the decision was made to part ways.
Interestingly, Woodward resigned after Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry expressed discontent, even suggesting that President Trump should influence the hiring of a new coach.
The lawsuit alleges Kelly’s representatives were told that he was never officially let go, claiming Woodward lacked the authority to terminate him or make a settlement offer.
Landry, in his criticisms of Woodward, accused him of lavishly compensating Jimbo Fisher, who was involved in negotiations when Fisher was dismissed from Texas A&M.
The current athletic director, Virge Ausberry, has not yet provided any comments regarding the situation.
This unfolding drama coincides with the recent firing of Penn State’s James Franklin, igniting discussions about available college coaching prospects.
Notably, in Kelly’s initial game as head coach, LSU was defeated by Alabama, 20-9, and they are set to finish the season against Arkansas State, Western Kentucky, and Oklahoma State.
Overall, Kelly boasts a coaching record of 297-109-2, a journey that began in Division II at Grand Valley State University. He’s also had significant tenures at Central Michigan, Cincinnati, and Notre Dame before his time at LSU.
