Brett Martel | Associated Press
NEW ORLEANS (AP) — LSU has fired coach Brian Kelly during the fourth season of a 10-year contract worth about $100 million, a person familiar with the situation said.
The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity on Sunday night because the firing had not been announced. It was made official by an announcement from the LSU Athletic Department at roughly 8:20 p.m.
Several local outlets, including louisianasports.net, reported the news as early as 7 p.m. According Ross Dellenger, a former LSU beat writer now working for Yahoo Sports, Hunt Palmer initially broke the story with Matt Moscona contributing.
"Ultimately, the success at the level that LSU demands simply did not materialize, and I made the decision to make a change after last night’s game (against Texas A&M)," Athletic Director Scott Woodward said in a statement. "We will immediately begin a national search for a new head football coach." (You can read Woodward's full statement at the end of the article)
Associate head coach and running backs coach Frank Wilson will serve as interim head coach for the remainder of the 2025 season.
The move comes on the heels of Saturday night’s 49-25 loss to No. 3 Texas A&M in Tiger Stadium — a second straight loss, and third in four games for LSU (5-3, 2-3 Southeastern Conference).
Kelly was hired away from Notre Dame when his predecessor, Ed Orgeron, stepped down following the 2021 regular season.
Kelly went 34-14 with the Tigers, even taking LSU to the 2022 SEC title game. But LSU did not qualify for the College Football Playoff in his first three seasons, and was virtually eliminated from contention with its loss to the Aggies.
The playoff was expanded from four to 12 teams for the 2024 season.
LSU could have to pay Kelly tens of millions not to coach, but the precise figure was unclear on Sunday night.
WOODWARD'S FULL STATEMENT:
Dear LSU Community,
Today, we have decided to separate with head football coach Brian Kelly, effective immediately. We informed the team this evening, and a few minutes ago, we announced the change publicly.
Terms of the separation are still being negotiated.
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, and I made the decision to make a change after last night’s game. I am grateful for the ongoing consultations and support of the LSU Board of Supervisors and Interim President Matt Lee in this decision. We wish Coach Kelly and his family the very best in their future endeavors. We will continue to negotiate his separation and will work toward a path that is better for both parties.
As a proud alum, and as the current caretaker of our athletics programs, I will not compromise in our pursuit of excellence, and we will not lower our standards. I continue to believe that LSU is the best football program in America, and that our head coach position is among the best, considering our investment, our ability to attract and retain talent, our unbelievable fans, and our institutional and statewide commitment to – and love for – LSU Football. 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, who fits our culture and community and who embraces the excellence that we demand.
Associate head coach/running backs coach Frank Wilson will serve as interim head coach for the remainder of the 2025 season.
While there will certainly be speculation and reports on candidates and the process, together we will celebrate and welcome a new coach at the appropriate time. I urge all in the LSU community to continue to support our student-athletes and coaches as they compete the rest of the season.
