Brian Kelly’s massive buyout from the LSU Tigers has put him among the top three largest buyouts in the history of college football. Kelly ends his tenure at LSU after four seasons, leading the program to a 34-14 record, including this season’s 5-3 overall record.
As per several reports, Kelly’s buyout is approximately $53.8 million. He signed a 10-year, $95 million deal with LSU after the 2021 season.
Kelly’s massive buyout fell $23 million short of Jimbo Fisher’s $76 million buyout at Texas A&M Aggies football. The third name in the list is recently fired Penn State Nittany Lions head coach James Franklin, who was given $49 million as per buyout clause.
Fisher signed with Texas A&M from the 2018 season. He later extended a deal through 2031, with a guarantee of around $95 million if fired without cause.
On Nov. 12, 2023, Fisher was fired, making him eligible for a $76.8 million buyout, the largest ever for a college-football head coach.
The Aggies owed roughly $19.2 million within 60 days of termination and then approximately $7.2 million annually through 2031.
Why Brian Kelly Was Fired By LSU?
After the 45-29 loss against Texas A&M last week, LSU fired Brian Kelly as the Tigers dropped to a 5-3 overall record and 2-3 in the Southeastern Conference (SEC) this season.
LSU’s athletic director, Scott Woodward, said Kelly didn’t live up to the promise and championships expectations were not met.
“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,” Woodward said. “Ultimately, the success at the level that LSU demands simply did not materialize.”
After Kelly’s firing, associate head coach Frank Wilson, who also serves as a running backs coach, has been asked to take the lead of the program whose College Football Playoffs’ hopes are almost over after the recent loss.
“I will not compromise in our pursuit of excellence and we will not lower our standards,” Woodward added. “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 is now available for the taking and will be a hotshot for those programs looking to bring him in as head coach from 2026 season onwards.
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