Brian Kelly is set to withdraw his lawsuit against LSU and will be paid his complete buyout.

Jeff Hauser

•
Report: Brian Kelly to drop LSU lawsuit, will receive full buyout image

TL;DR

  • Brian Kelly will drop lawsuit against LSU after school agrees to pay full contractual buyout.
  • LSU formally notified Kelly of his dismissal in writing, making school responsible for the buyout.
  • The $54 million buyout is the second-highest in college football history.
  • Kelly was dismissed after four seasons with a 34-13 overall record.

Brian Kelly plans to drop his lawsuit against LSU on Monday after the school agreed to pay him his full contractual buyout, according to Front Office Sports. 

This week, Kelly was formally notified in writing of his dismissal and is now getting ready to drop his lawsuit following a disagreement concerning the school's description of his termination. 

The lawsuit stemmed from Kelly’s claim that LSU argued it had not formally terminated him and attempted to introduce “for-cause” reasoning after the fact, according to the report.

LSU officially terminated its coach on Wednesday with written notice, making the school entirely responsible for the buyout amount. This buyout, approximately $54 million, stands as the second-highest coaching buyout in college football history, trailing only Jimbo Fisher's $76 million severance from Texas A&M.

LSU’s letter included a duty-to-mitigate provision requiring Kelly to pursue new employment in “good faith, reasonable and sustained efforts,” including documenting interviews and offers. The language reflects Kelly’s contractual “duty to mitigate,” ensuring he does not sit idle after dismissal.

After four seasons at LSU, Kelly was dismissed, having compiled a 34-13 overall record and a 19-10 standing in SEC contests. While the Tigers made it to the SEC championship game during his inaugural season, their performance declined thereafter. 

Ole Miss' Lane Kiffin remains a target for the school, with reports indicating he's a leading candidate to succeed Kelly as LSU's next head coach. 

More college football news: 

Staff Writer