LSU announced on Sunday evening that it is parting ways with Brian Kelly, the Tigers’ head football coach of the past four seasons. The decision comes in the wake of a disappointing 2025 campaign, which saw LSU struggle to meet the lofty expectations set for the program. Kelly, aged 64, is currently leading the Tigers to a 5-3 record in Baton Rouge, but that record and the team's recent performances fell far short of what the university administration and fans demanded. His dismissal carries a hefty financial consequence, with a buyout exceeding $50 million, making it the second-largest buyout ever paid to a college football coach.
The move was officially confirmed by LSU’s athletic director, Scott Woodward, who reflected on the high hopes that accompanied Kelly’s arrival in 2021. Woodward said, “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.” However, those aspirations did not materialize. Woodward added that the decision to make a change came immediately after LSU’s recent loss, highlighting the involvement and support of the LSU Board of Supervisors and Interim President Matt Lee. The school expressed well wishes to Kelly and his family and indicated that they would continue negotiating the financial terms of his separation to reach the best possible outcome for both parties.
The day of Kelly’s firing was marked by tense meetings and uncertainty. CBS Sports reported that Kelly had arrived at LSU’s football facility early on Sunday morning with the intention of assessing his coaching staff and possibly making significant changes. However, after a meeting with Woodward in the early afternoon, the tone shifted dramatically. Sources indicated the conversation did not go well, and Kelly departed the facility shortly thereafter. By the end of the day, LSU had officially announced his firing, appointing running backs coach Frank Wilson as the interim head coach.
This coaching shakeup comes amid a very active coaching carousel across college football, with LSU now positioned at the forefront of programs seeking a high-impact replacement. Other Power Five programs like Penn State, Florida, and Virginia Tech are also aggressively searching for new head coaches as the off-season approaches. Woodward, who previously made a splash hiring Kelly, is no stranger to making bold decisions—he was also the athletic director who hired Jimbo Fisher at Texas A&M, leading to an enormous $76.8 million buyout for Fisher. This latest move by Woodward shows his willingness to spend big to find the right fit for LSU.
The decision was reportedly influenced not only by internal discussions but also by outside voices, including Louisiana governor Jeff Landry, who publicly criticized the football program after LSU’s 49-25 loss to Texas A&M on Saturday night. Landry called on the university to reconsider its plans to raise ticket prices for the next season, citing the team’s underwhelming performance as a reason for fans’ dissatisfaction.
LSU entered the 2025 season with significant ambitions, fueled by heavy investments in roster talent through the transfer portal and recruiting. The Tigers secured the No. 1-ranked recruiting class according to 247Sports, signaling their intent to compete for an SEC championship and earn their first College Football Playoff (CFP) berth during Kelly’s tenure. While LSU’s defense showed notable improvement thanks to the influx of new talent, the offense faltered unexpectedly. The team averaged its fewest points and yards per game since the early 2010s, a critical factor in their struggles throughout the season.
The Tigers’ inability to meet expectations for the fourth consecutive year ultimately led to Kelly’s dismissal. The disappointment culminated in a crushing Week 9 loss to No. 3-ranked Texas A&M, a game in which LSU squandered a halftime lead and was soundly defeated 49-25 at Tiger Stadium. The loss ignited chants of “Fire Kelly” from the home crowd, underscoring the frustration and impatience felt by fans and stakeholders. LSU now faces a bye week before traveling to face rival Alabama, a matchup that will test the team under interim leadership.
Looking ahead, LSU’s recruiting class for the 2026 cycle is currently ranked No. 11 overall by 247Sports, a slight drop from the No. 7 class they signed in 2025. That previous class was even more promising before losing Bryce Underwood, the nation’s top recruit, who decommitted and is now starting at quarterback for Michigan. Despite