Former LSU head coach Brian Kelly announced late Monday night that he intends to sue the school, according to ESPN.
Kelly was fired two weeks ago after the Tigers' embarrassing loss to Texas A&M. It seems as if the suit is coming on the heels of a failed negotiation between the school and Kelly concerning his $54 million buyout.
According to a copy of the suit obtained by ESPN, "LSU's representatives had a call with Kelly's representatives, where LSU took the position that Kelly had not been formally terminated and informed Kelly's representatives, for the very first time, that LSU believed grounds for termination for cause existed."
Kelly’s lawyers, on the other hand, want the school to prove why Kelly was fired.
His lawyers are seeking "a declaratory judgment confirming that LSU's termination of Kelly is without cause and that he is entitled to receive the full liquidated damages provided for in (his contract)."
What’s even more bizarre is that Kelly’s lawyers say that former athletic director Scott Woodward had no authority to fire him or offer him a settlement.
"LSU has never claimed that Coach Kelly was terminated for cause and, prior to November 10, 2025, never asserted that he engaged in any conduct that would warrant such a termination," the lawsuit reads. "To the contrary, LSU repeatedly confirmed, both publicly and to Coach Kelly, that the termination was due to the Team's performance, not for cause."
Woodward was terminated just days after Kelly was let go. This behind-the-scenes fight continues as the school attempts to hire a new football coach, with numerous outside forces, including Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry, interfering and hindering their head coaching search.