Brian Kelly’s attorneys say LSU’s handling of his dismissal has “made it nearly impossible” for the former Tigers coach to pursue another job, according to a pair of letters sent to university officials and obtained by ESPN.
In a Nov. 18 letter addressed to athletic director Verge Ausberry and board of supervisors member John H. Carmouche, Kelly’s lawyers challenged LSU’s claim that it had not “formally terminated” him, calling the position “contrived” and without basis.
The letter states that LSU’s refusal to confirm that Kelly was fired without cause, along with unspecified allegations of misconduct has jeopardized his candidacy for coaching vacancies during a critical hiring period.
“LSU’s conduct continues to harm Coach Kelly,” the letter reads. Kelly also warned that he “reserves all rights” to seek damages for interference in future employment.
LSU declined comment, citing ongoing litigation.
Kelly, 64, was removed from his duties Oct. 26, a day after a 49-25 loss to Texas A&M, but the school later argued that then-athletic director Scott Woodward lacked the authority to fire him. LSU has since explored firing Kelly for cause, a move that could void the roughly $54 million owed on his contract.
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