LSU fires coach Brian Kelly in the 4th season of his 10-year contract

BATON ROUGE, La. (WAFB/Gray News) - LSU has fired coach Brian Kelly during the fourth season of a 10-year contract

Athletic Director Scott Woodward confirmed on Sunday, Oct. 26.

Woodward said the decision came after LSU’s 49-25 loss to No. 3 Texas A&M, which dropped the Tigers to 5-3 overall and 2-3 in SEC play. Terms of Kelly’s separation are still being negotiated.

“When Coach Kelly arrived at LSU four years ago, we had high hopes that he would lead us to multiple SEC and national championships,” Woodward said. “Ultimately, the success at the level that LSU demands simply did not materialize, and I made the decision to make a change after last night’s game.”

Kelly was hired to be the Tigers head coach in December 2021 after 12 years at Notre Dame.

Kelly’s buyout is $54 million, with six years remaining on his contract. He will receive 90% of his salary through the remainder of the deal.

Kelly leaves with a 34-14 overall record, including 19-10 in SEC competition, and led LSU to three straight bowl wins. He guided the Tigers to the SEC Championship Game in 2022 and coached Heisman Trophy winner Jayden Daniels during the 2023 season.

Associate head coach and running backs coach Frank Wilson will serve as interim head coach for the remainder of the season.

Woodward said a national search for the next head coach will begin immediately.