LSU Denies Official Termination of Coach Brian Kelly Amid Lawsuit
In a recent legal development, Brian Kelly’s attorney has clarified that Louisiana State University (LSU) has not officially terminated him as head coach of the football team. This claim is central to a lawsuit filed by Kelly following his dismissal.
Key Details of the Lawsuit
The 48-page lawsuit was lodged in the 19th Judicial District for the Parish of East Baton Rouge, Louisiana. It emerges amidst ongoing disputes about Kelly’s termination status and potential financial ramifications for the university. His attorney argues that LSU seeks to avoid paying a substantial buyout of nearly $54 million by claiming “for cause” grounds for termination.
- Date filed: November 10, 2025
- Location: East Baton Rouge Parish, Louisiana
- Potential buyout: Nearly $54 million
Initial Dismissal Background
Brian Kelly, aged 64, was relieved of his duties on October 26, 2025, just one day after a significant loss to Texas A&M. The dismissal was initially labeled as performance-related by then-athletic director Scott Woodward, who expressed disappointment over the team’s failure to meet expectations.
LSU’s Position and Claims
According to the lawsuit, LSU’s representatives communicated to Kelly’s attorneys that they did not possess the authority to terminate him in October. The filing challenges this claim, highlighting that Woodward and other officials participated in decisions surrounding Kelly’s initial dismissal.
- Initial performance noted: LSU’s loss record at the time of dismissal was 5-3.
- Ex-athletic director: Scott Woodward
Contentions in the Lawsuit
The lawsuit outlines several key points disputed by Kelly’s representatives, including:
- The assertion that Kelly was never formally terminated.
- The claim that Woodward lacked authority in the dismissal process.
- The existence of grounds for “for cause” termination.
Importantly, Kelly’s contract includes stipulations for “for-cause” termination, specifying conditions such as violations of NCAA rules or serious misconduct. However, the lawsuit emphasizes that LSU has not previously cited any conduct that would justify such a termination.
Financial Settlement Attempts
The lawsuit indicates multiple attempts by LSU to negotiate a settlement with Kelly. According to the documents, LSU proposed settlement amounts of $25 million and later $30 million. However, Kelly did not accept either offer.
Conclusion
As the lawsuit progresses, LSU has refrained from commenting on the ongoing legal matters. The outcome could significantly impact both Kelly’s future and LSU’s financial responsibilities related to his contract.
