LSU Fires Coach Brian Kelly Amid Disappointing Season, $52M Buyout

UPDATE: LSU has fired head football coach Brian Kelly after a lackluster 2025 season, marking a dramatic end to his four-year tenure. The decision was confirmed just hours ago by CBS Sports, with Kelly’s ousting coming amid growing frustrations over the team’s performance.

The 64-year-old coach departs Baton Rouge with a 34-14 record and a staggering buyout of over $52 million, making it one of the largest in college football history. This move follows a disappointing 5-3 season, highlighted by a recent defeat to rival Texas A&M that saw fans chanting “Fire Kelly” during the game.

Officials report that a series of contentious meetings culminated in Kelly’s termination as the program struggles to meet high expectations. LSU’s offense has been particularly disappointing, averaging its fewest points per game since 2009, despite a significant investment in talent through the transfer portal.

With Kelly’s exit, Frank Wilson, the running backs coach, will serve as the interim head coach. This leadership change comes from Scott Woodward, LSU’s athletic director, who previously made headlines by hiring Kelly in 2021. The program is now in search of a home-run hire, joining other Power Four schools like Penn State and Florida in the coaching carousel.

“The LSU program has championship expectations, and falling short for four straight years was the final straw for Coach Kelly,” a source close to the program stated.

Despite a solid recruiting effort that led to a top-ranked class, LSU could not convert that talent into wins on the field. The team’s struggles were evident as they fell to No. 3 Texas A&M in a devastating 49-25 defeat, leading to heightened tensions among fans and stakeholders.

Kelly’s buyout stipulates that he will receive 90% of his remaining salary, totaling over $52 million when factoring in the current season’s pay. The decision to part ways mid-season reflects a broader trend in college football, where programs are willing to invest heavily to shift direction.

As LSU prepares for a bye week before facing Alabama, the program is under pressure to quickly identify a new head coach who can restore its legacy. The high-profile nature of this firing is expected to attract significant attention from around the college football landscape.

Looking ahead, the question looms: What’s next for Brian Kelly? After a career marked by success yet marred by failure to secure championships, he now faces a crossroads. With multiple job opportunities likely available, he could also opt to take a break from coaching for the first time since 1990.

Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely as LSU navigates this pivotal moment, aiming to bounce back from a disappointing season and reclaim its position among college football elite.