The LSU Tigers fired Brian Kelly two weeks ago, choosing to go another way with their head coaching position after several years of disappointing results. But, did they? That’s what’s at the heart of a new lawsuit from Kelly against the school.
According to the lawsuit, the LSU Tigers have offered a buyout of $25 million and then $30 million to the coach, and they don’t seem open to paying the full buyout of $53 million without offset. The appeal of these payments would be that they would be without offset, so he could earn entirely what he’s paid in any new job.
Brian Kelly’s lawsuit against LSU states that LSU offered him a $25/30 million payment instead of $53m buyout w/ offset.
He didn’t accept but was open to more offers. Then LSU said they didn’t actually fire him but could for cause.
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On the other hand, the lawsuit did mention that LSU did tell that they could’ve fired Brian Kelly with cause, but that they chose not to. The lawsuit didn’t mention what would be the cause for firing him.
What is the Purpose of Brian Kelly’s Lawsuit Against LSU
The differentiation of whether Brian Kelly was fired with or without cause can be significant for the financial futures of both sides, as $53 million is at the center of the dispute.
According to Kelly’s lawyer, the lawsuit against LSU looks to confirm that he was fired without cause by the school:
“a declaratory judgment confirming that LSU’s termination of Coach Kelly is without cause and that Coach Kelly is entitled to receive the full liquidated damages provided for in (his contract).”
LSU has offered, according to Kelly, lump sum payments of, $25 million first, and then $30 million without offset. While the former Tigers coach turned down the offers, he accepted that he would be willing to discuss the issue and negotiate, so there’s still a chance that the issue could be settled between the parties.
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