LSU has officially fired head coach Brian Kelly “without cause,” sources told ESPN, meaning the school is set to owe the $54 million remaining on his contract. The decision was communicated in a signed letter Wednesday from new LSU president Wade Rousse, which reiterated the contract’s terms, including liquidated damages and Kelly’s obligation to make “good-faith, reasonable, and sustained efforts to obtain qualifying employment” for the six remaining years while damages are due.
LSU had relieved Kelly of his duties on Oct. 26 and initially framed the dismissal as related to performance, but questions arose after public comments from Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry. Following Landry’s criticism — including of then-athletic director Scott Woodward — Kelly’s attorneys filed a petition for a declaratory judgment, asserting that unspecified LSU officials had told Kelly’s camp he had not been “formally terminated.”
The filing challenged three assertions tied to the school’s handling: that Kelly hadn’t been terminated, that Woodward lacked authority to fire him, and that there were grounds for termination with cause. It argued LSU failed to follow the contractual procedures required to terminate for cause.
The ruling arrives as LSU pursues Ole Miss coach Lane Kiffin, who is expected to announce his decision this weekend. Despite Landry’s remarks decrying guaranteed payouts, LSU appears prepared to offer a substantial guarantee to Kiffin if he departs Ole Miss.
Since Kelly’s exit, LSU promoted Verge Ausberry to athletic director and installed Rousse as president. Kelly has indicated he wants to return to coaching next year.
