The LSU Tigers are looking ahead toward a new era for their football program following the recent dismissal of now-former head coach Brian Kelly.
But before the school can fully turn its attention toward the next chapter, it must first settle its ongoing contract dispute with Kelly.
Kelly, who was fired on Oct. 26 after the Tigers’ 5-3 start to the 2025 season, is owed $54 million on his contract buyout — the second largest contract buyout in college football history.
Kelly and the school have reportedly been at odds with each other while negotiating the buyout over the past couple weeks. And on Sunday evening, a new update emerged out of a report from Baton Rouge newspaper The Advocate.
Kelly’s lawyers are reportedly asking for “written confirmation” from LSU that the school will “fulfill its contractual obligation” and pay the 64-year-old coach his entire buyout. Kelly’s team has reportedly set a deadline for this confirmation on Monday, Oct. 10 at 5 p.m.
The letter was sent to LSU athletic director Verge Ausberry and John Carmouche of the LSU Board of Supervisors on Nov. 5, according to The Advocate.
The letter included a statement claiming “Coach Kelly will pursue all available legal remedies” if LSU doesn’t meet Monday’s deadline.
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According to this report, Kelly has declined previous settlement offers from LSU — including one that would’ve paid him $30 million in two installments. The terms of Kelly’s original $10-year, $95 million contract state he’s to be paid out monthly until he reaches the full value of his deal in the case of a contract buyout.
That being said, a recent email obtained by WAFB-Baton Rouge showed Kelly’s willingness to discuss a settlement.
“As we discussed in our meeting, I’m open to your desire to reach a settlement of what’s owed to me under the contract, although of course it would have to make sense financially,” Kelly wrote in the email. “Despite your decision to let me go today, I am grateful to have had the opportunity to lead this program over the last four years and wish you all the best going forward. Best, Brian.”
The Tigers lost their first game under interim head coach Frank Wilson on Saturday, falling to the No. 4 Alabama Crimson Tide with a 20-9 final score in Tuscaloosa.
