Brian Kelly doesn't look to have much more time left in charge of the LSU Tigers.
The veteran coach, who joined the program in 2022, enjoyed a sordid time in charge of the Tigers. On one hand, he has produced a glut of NFL talent, including standouts Jayden Daniels and Malik Nabers.
Yet, LSU achieved precious little during his spell. The Tigers are without a College Football Playoff appearance during Kelly's tenure. Following their 49-25 loss to Texas A&M on Saturday — their third defeat in the last four games — they appear destined to miss out on the Big Dance once more.
That was enough to cost the 64-year-old his job; ESPN's Pete Thamel reported that Kelly was informed of the school's intention to dismiss him.
The vultures are swirling, with rumors of Kelly's demise abound. Here's the latest on his status.
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Why did LSU fire Brian Kelly?
Kelly's status appeared in flux following LSU's loss to Texas A&M. The longtime Tigers boss' position was already under threat following a pair of defeats to ranked opposition. The Aggies' result compounded issues, with Yahoo Sports' Ross Dellenger reporting that LSU administrators held emergency talks Sunday regarding Kelly's future and the prospect of a potential buyout.
On3 Sports' Pete Nakos reported that LSU's position coaches were sent home from the Tigers' practice facility, potentially suggesting a major move could be looming.
Sources have told CBS Sports' Matt Zenitz that LSU and Kelly are expected to part ways. Nakos is reporting that there is a team meeting called for 8 p.m. CT.
Shortly thereafter, news of Kelly's dismissal broke.
LSU Athletic Director Scott Woodward released the following statement about the decision:
"When Coach Kelly arrived at LSU four years ago, we had high hopes that he would lead us to multiple SEC and national championships during his time in Baton Rouge. Ultimately, the success at the level that LSU demands simply did not materialize, and I made the decision to make a change after last night’s game. I am grateful for the ongoing consultations and support of the LSU Board of Supervisors and Interim President Matt Lee in this decision. We wish Coach Kelly and his family the very best in their future endeavors. We will continue to negotiate his separation and will work toward a path that is better for both parties.”
Associate head coach Frank Wilson will serve as the interim head coach. Wilson is in his second stint at LSU. He spent six years with LSU as a running backs coach and recruiting coordinator from 2010-2015. Wilson was one of Kelly's first hires when he took over in December 2021. In between his LSU stints, he served as the UTSA head coach from 2016 to 2019 and the head coach at McNeese in 2020 and 2021.
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Brian Kelly contract buyout
Kelly's contract features a $54 million buyout, per ESPN's Pete Thamel. The fee represents one of the largest in college football; per On3 Sports', only Kirby Smart, Ryan Day, Kalen DeBoer, Steve Sarkisian, Dabo Swinney, Mike Norvell, Dan Lanning and Curt Cignetti entered the 2025 season with higher buyout totals than Kelly.
If Kelly was fired without cause, he'd net the second-highest buyout figure in college football history, only bested by James Franklin. The Tigers would be required to pay him in monthly installments through 2031, although costs could be offset if Kelly were to land another football-related gig, according to The Athletic's Chris Vannini.
Dellenger reported that Kelly's firing — and subsequent buyout — is likely to bring the total sum of money owed to fired FBS coaches to upwards of $140 million. That is believed to be the most in college football history.
Brian Kelly record at LSU
The Tigers were good under Kelly's tutelage. They weren't great, though. They amassed double-digit win totals in each of Kelly's first two seasons and placed comfortably in the top-25 in each campaign. Nevertheless, the CFP has eluded them. Here's a closer look at Kelly's record during his time in charge.
| Years | Record (Conference) |
| 2022 | 10-4 (6-2) |
| 2023 | 10-3 (6-2) |
| 2024 | 9-4 (5-3) |
| 2025 | 5-3 (2-3) |
| Total | 34-14 (19-10) |
How old is Brian Kelly?
Kelly is 64 years old. He turned 64 on October 25.
Brian Kelly press conference
Kelly expressed disappointment with LSU's showing on Saturday, namely its capitulation in the second half.
“All those things fall on me, so that’s what I have to fix,” Kelly said of LSU's errors. “And we have to do that immediately.”
The Tigers' defense surrendered a score on the opening possession of the third quarter. After a three-and-out, LSU booted the ball to the Aggies, who proceeded to bring the effort back 79 yards for another score. Texas A&M added another 14 points to its advantage on the proceeding two possessions, turning a one-score deficit into a 24-point gulf.
“This is my responsibility,” Kelly said. “It’s impossible for the head coach that’s been here for four years and 35 years of doing this to think anything else. And we’ve got to get it turned around. And that’s not my decision in terms of whether I’m here or not.”