LSU, Brian Kelly Clash Over $54M Buyout Amid ‘For Cause’ Firing Debate

LSU’s recent decision to dismiss head football coach Brian Kelly has led to a rising legal conflict. Kelly has filed a lawsuit against the LSU board of directors regarding his termination. He claims LSU is attempting to redefine his dismissal as “for cause,” contrary to prior communication that acknowledged him as fired.

Background on the Dismissal and Lawsuit

Brian Kelly, who signed a ten-year contract worth $95 million with LSU in 2022, was let go on October 26. This decision followed the Tigers’ loss to Texas A&M, marking their third consecutive defeat and lowering their season record to 5-3. Scott Woodward, then-athletic director, stated that the dismissal was based on unmet expectations. In the lawsuit, Kelly argues that his firing was improperly categorized as “for cause” to avoid paying the full buyout of $54 million.

Key Developments in the Lawsuit

According to Kelly’s lawsuit, which spans 48 pages, LSU never provided specific reasons for the “for cause” designation. In the suit, Kelly asserts that he learned of LSU’s change in stance during a phone call, where LSU claimed he was still technically employed. This contradicted earlier assurances from Woodward.

• Kelly’s lawsuit seeks a declaratory judgment confirming he was terminated without cause.
• The suit emphasizes that LSU must demonstrate substantial grounds for a “for-cause” dismissal under NCAA rules.
• It notes that LSU failed to communicate any justifications that would warrant a “for cause” firing.

Details Surrounding the Termination Clause

Kelly’s contract included a “for-cause” termination clause, which stipulates that grounds for firing must involve serious violations such as felony convictions or misconduct detrimental to LSU’s brand. The lawsuit highlights that merely poor performance on the field does not fulfill these criteria.

Attempts at Settlement

Before escalating to litigation, LSU had attempted to negotiate a settlement with Kelly. Emails between the two parties reveal offers of $25 million and later $30 million, which Kelly declined.

The legal dispute is unfolding against a broader backdrop of scrutiny for LSU, particularly following Woodward’s controversial press conference after Kelly’s dismissal. Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry expressed frustration over LSU’s financial liabilities, suggesting the university would not repeat such costly mistakes.

This situation raises significant implications for both LSU’s financial strategy and the future of college football coaching contracts. The outcome of Kelly’s lawsuit will likely influence how universities approach terminations and buyout clauses in their contracts.