Former LSU head coach Brian Kelly confirmed his firing in a polite email to school officials, expressing both gratitude and a willingness to negotiate his $54 million buyout, according to records obtained by WAFB-TV.
Kelly was dismissed Oct. 26 after a 49-25 home loss to Texas A&M and sent a message shortly after meeting with then-athletic director Scott Woodward and other administrators.
“As we discussed in our meeting, I’m open to your desire to reach a settlement of what’s owed to me under the contract, although of course it would have to make sense financially,” Kelly wrote. “Despite your decision to let me go today, I am grateful to have had the opportunity to lead this program over the last four years and wish you all the best going forward.”
In the email, Kelly also offered to return university property and asked whether he should personally clean out his office or have staff send his belongings.
The 64-year-old coach remains on LSU’s payroll through the end of 2025, collecting monthly payments of roughly $740k from his $10.1 million annual salary, according to On3's Pete Nakos.
Negotiations over a potential settlement are ongoing, as LSU looks to reduce the buyout amount from the 10-year, $95 million contract Kelly signed in 2021 after leaving Notre Dame. Without a reduction, the $54 million figure would be the second-largest coaching buyout in college football history, trailing only Texas A&M’s $77 million payout to Jimbo Fisher in 2023.
Kelly compiled a 34-14 record in Baton Rouge, including a 19-10 mark in SEC play.
More college football news:
- Deion Sanders buyout, contract details as Colorado Buffaloes coach
- Brian Kelly buyout, contract details as LSU Tigers coach
- Heisman Trophy winner Travis Hunter suffers major blow during rookie season
- Will Lane Kiffin leave Ole Miss? What to know about latest rumors
- Beloved college football mascot diagnosed with cancer