LSU head coach Brian Kelly’s time in Baton Rouge came to a sudden end on Sunday night. After a crushing 49-25 loss to Texas A&M at Tiger Stadium, the LSU administration decided to part ways with the veteran coach.
In an emotional moment during the team meeting, Kelly delivered a brief but heartfelt message to his players before leaving the program.
What Did Brian Kelly Tell His Players Before His Departure?
The LSU team meeting concluded with Brian Kelly appearing one final time before his players. Despite the difficult circumstances, Kelly kept his message simple and emotional. He told his team: “Love y’all. Finish the season!”​
The LSU team meeting has concluded, sources tell @YahooSports. Brian Kelly, appearing at the meeting, told players: “Love y’all. Finish the season!” https://t.co/UXj6GHpkg1
— Ross Dellenger (@RossDellenger) October 27, 2025
The five-word message came during a team meeting held Sunday evening to inform players of the decision to fire Kelly. LSU athletic director Scott Woodward announced the move shortly after the players were notified.
The Drama Behind Brian Kelly’s Firing
Kelly’s dismissal didn’t come out of nowhere. The pressure had been building throughout the 2025 season after LSU dropped three of its last four games. The Tigers fell to Ole Miss, Vanderbilt, and Texas A&M in consecutive weeks.
Saturday night’s blowout loss to Texas A&M proved to be the final straw. The Aggies scored 35 unanswered points in the second half, and LSU fans began chanting “Fire Kelly!” before the game even ended. The Tigers entered the season with championship hopes but fell to 5-3 overall and 2-3 in SEC play.​
The firing came with a massive financial cost. LSU owes Kelly approximately $53.3 million in buyout money. Athletic director Scott Woodward addressed the decision, saying:
“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.”
What’s Next for LSU?
LSU has a bye week following Kelly’s dismissal. The Tigers’ next game comes on Nov. 8 when they travel to face Alabama at Bryant-Denny Stadium.
Frank Wilson has been named interim head coach for the remainder of the season. Wilson previously served as LSU’s running backs coach from 2010 to 2015.
Woodward emphasized the program’s commitment: “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”.​
The coaching search is already underway. Ole Miss head coach Lane Kiffin is considered the top target. Other candidates include Tulane’s Jon Sumrall and Buffalo Bills offensive coordinator Joe Brady.
