The LSU Tigers have begun the process of terminating head football coach Brian Kelly and paying him his negotiated $54 million buyout figure, per a report from ESPN’s Pete Thamel.
Kelly’s position coaches had been told to leave the building earlier in the afternoon, per On3’s Peter Nakos. It was a formality that he would be let go, and on Sunday night, it was made official by Thamel.
“Sources: LSU coach Brian Kelly was informed of the intention to dismiss him earlier today. The school is expected to inform the team of this development tonight. Talks about the terms of his departure are expected to continue,” Thamel wrote.
Thamel added that “the situation is in flux following the Tigers' 49-25 loss to (TAMU) on Saturday night in Baton Rouge.”
As Thamel also revealed, there had been an expectation of change when the day started, but as it progressed, it became clear Kelly was going to be let go.
“Sunday began with the LSU staff bracing for staff changes, as they entered the week at No. 82 in scoring offense, No. 96 in total offense and No. 122 in passing offense. The program's defense wilted in the past two games with a loss at Vanderbilt and the home blowout to the Aggies,” Thamel wrote.
“But the day passed, and by early evening, it became apparent to those at LSU that the discussions were happening on a bigger scale, sources told ESPN. A centerpiece of the discussions over Kelly's departure is his buyout, which is close to $54 million. That money is subject to offset if Kelly takes a new coaching job.”
Who is LSU's interim coach after firing Brian Kelly?
As Yahoo Sports' Ross Dellenger reports, running backs coach Frank Wilson will be named the interim head coach.
Brian Kelly now an option for Arkansas, Florida, Penn State
There is no shortage of options if Kelly were to try and find a new job, something LSU is undoubtedly hoping for.
The Arkansas Razorbacks and Florida Gators have open jobs within the SEC. Many expect the Auburn Tigers to fire Hugh Freeze and join that group. If Kelly wanted to return to his northeast routes, the Penn State Nittany Lions are the best option in the region, and just let James Franklin go.
Though Kelly’s Tigers tenure didn’t go as many would’ve hoped in the Pelican State would’ve hoped, he’s still a top option for jobs across the Power 4 given his previous success with the Notre Dame Fighting Irish.