In a move that has sent shockwaves through the college football world, LSU has officially terminated head coach Brian Kelly, agreeing to pay a staggering $54 million buyout—one of the largest in the sport's history. But here's where it gets controversial: the school is firing him without cause, leaving many to question the decision-making behind such a costly move. According to Yahoo! Sports’ Ross Dellenger and confirmed by On3’s Pete Nakos, Kelly received his termination letter this week, with LSU committing to the full buyout over six years—provided Kelly actively seeks another job, as outlined in his contract. This clause, known as a 'duty to mitigate,' requires Kelly to document his job search, including interviews and offers, in good faith. Yet, this isn't the first time Kelly's departure has made headlines. Last month, LSU announced plans to dismiss him, sparking a legal battle over the buyout terms. Kelly filed a lawsuit against the university in November, arguing that LSU had not formally terminated him and had only recently claimed grounds for 'termination for cause.' Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry even weighed in, criticizing the exorbitant figure during a press conference. And this is the part most people miss: Kelly's buyout is the second-highest ever in college football, trailing only Jimbo Fisher's $76.8 million payout from Texas A&M. Despite a solid 34-13 record at LSU, including a trip to the SEC title game in his first season, Kelly's tenure ended abruptly after a home loss to Texas A&M. While Kelly had previously expressed openness to a buyout settlement, LSU's decision to terminate him without cause has raised eyebrows. Is this a fair resolution, or a costly misstep for LSU? Let us know your thoughts in the comments. For more insights, subscribe to the On3 NIL and Sports Business Newsletter and stay updated with the Daily On3 Newsletter.
