LSU has officially parted ways with head football coach Brian Kelly, just over three years after his much-publicized move from Notre Dame to Baton Rouge. The decision came one day after a lopsided 49–25 defeat to No. 3 Texas A&M, dropping the Tigers to 5–3 on the season. The 64-year-old Kelly is in the midst of a 5-3 season in Baton Rouge, and his buyout of $50-plus million will be the second most ever paid to a college football coach (per CBS Sports).
Athletic director Scott Woodward announced Kelly’s dismissal in a statement, citing LSU’s unwavering “pursuit of excellence” as the guiding factor behind the move: “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’d [Saturday’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 and running backs coach Frank Wilson will take over as interim head coach while LSU begins its national search for a replacement. Woodward emphasized that “as a proud alum, and as the current caretaker of our athletics programs, I will not compromise in our pursuit of excellence and we will not lower our standards. We will immediately begin a national search for a new head football coach, and I am confident in our ability to bring to Baton Rouge an outstanding leader, teacher and coach, who fits our culture and community and who embraces the excellence that we demand.”
Kelly’s firing followed an emergency meeting among LSU’s athletic administrators Sunday afternoon to discuss the program’s direction and Kelly’s future. Though Kelly’s tenure began with promise—including three straight nine-win seasons—his fourth year was marked by frustration and inconsistency. After an encouraging season-opening win over Clemson, the Tigers stumbled through conference play, losing three of their last four to ranked SEC opponents. Kelly also drew criticism for his public handling of questions from the media, including an exchange in which he snapped at a reporter after the Florida game.
Expectations were sky-high when Kelly arrived in 2021 with a 10-year, $95 million contract. His move from Notre Dame had come with bold ambitions, as Kelly said he wanted “to be in an environment where I have the resources to win a national championship.” But despite steady records—10–4 in 2022, 10–3 in 2023, and 9–4 in 2024—the Tigers never broke through to the College Football Playoff or captured a national title, achievements reached by each of LSU’s previous three head coaches. Meanwhile, Kelly’s former program at Notre Dame has continued to thrive, recently reaching a national championship appearance and currently ranked No. 12.
Kelly departs LSU with a 34–14 overall record and a 19–10 mark in SEC play. Across his career at Grand Valley State, Central Michigan, Cincinnati, Notre Dame, and LSU, he holds a 297–109–2 record, though Notre Dame vacated 21 wins from 2012–2013 due to academic violations.
The Tigers are next scheduled to face Alabama (7–1) on Nov. 8 in Tuscaloosa.
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