LSU Shocks CFB Landscape Firing Brian Kelly and Absorbing $54 Million Buyout

LSU administration officials have informed head football coach Brian Kelly that they are relieving him of his duties. What's the latest?

It’s over at LSU for Brian Kelly.

The news hit on Sunday night that LSU, according to sources, has informed Kelly, the school’s head football coach, of the school’s decision to let Kelly go after an embarrassing 49-25 loss at home to No. 3 Texas A&M on Saturday night.

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What’s Happening To LSU Coach Brian Kelly?

According to ESPN College Football reporter Pete Thamel, LSU administration officials have told Kelly of their decision to move along from him as their head football coach. The Tigers were 5-3 this season under Kelly, which has not been well-received by the LSU faithful at all.

“Sources: LSU coach Brian Kelly was informed of the intention to dismiss him earlier today,” Thamel posted on X. “The school is expected to inform the team of this development tonight. Talks about the terms of his departure are expected to continue.”

Thamel also reported on Sunday night that there was going to be an LSU team meeting held, most likely to inform the players of the school’s decision.

Kelly has been under the gun all season long and LSU fans were chanting “Fire Kelly!” from the stands on Saturday night.

Apparently, the school heard their chants and took action to get rid of Kelly. No immediate replacement for Kelly has been named as of Sunday night.

There have been high expectations for Kelly to take LSU into the College Football Playoff this season. With the rough start in SEC play, with LSU at 2-3 after Saturday night’s loss, pressure started mounting for a change to be made.

In three-plus seasons at LSU, Kelly went 34-14 as head coach. Kelly’s previous head coaching stops were at Central Michigan, Cincinnati and, of course, at Notre Dame. When Kelly was hired, LSU thought that Kelly would be able to lead the Tigers into the college football stratosphere.

Unfortunately, it has not worked out that way. Kelly hasn’t won too many friends in his tenure in Baton Rouge. Now, the school will absorb Kelly’s $54 million buyout and look for a new head coach. The college football world has gone through many changes this season, including some head coaches losing their jobs mid-season.

But the news about Kelly, on a Sunday night in late October, makes him the highest profile name to be ousted from his head coaching position.

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