LSU Fires Head Coach After Blowout Loss to No. 3 Texas A&M

BATON ROUGE, LA — LSU officially fired fourth-year head coach Brian Kelly on Sunday evening, ending his tenure midway through the 2025 season after the Tigers’ underwhelming 5-3 start and mounting frustrations within the program.

The decision follows LSU’s 49-25 loss to Texas A&M on Saturday — the Tigers’ third defeat in their last four games — and a day of tense meetings between Kelly and athletic director Scott Woodward, who ultimately decided to make a change.

“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,” Woodward said in a statement. “Ultimately, the success at the level that LSU demands simply did not materialize … We will continue to negotiate his separation and work toward a path that is better for both parties.”

Associate head coach and running backs coach Frank Wilson will serve as interim head coach for the remainder of the season. Kelly, 64, departs with a 34-14 record over four seasons, highlighted by an SEC West Division title in 2022, but with no College Football Playoff appearances or SEC championships.

LSU will owe Kelly approximately $53.8 million, one of the largest buyouts in college football history — trailing only Jimbo Fisher’s $76.8 million payout from Texas A&M in 2023. His 10-year, $95 million contract guarantees 90% of the remaining salary, including the rest of his $9.4 million for 2025.

Kelly’s buyout places him second all-time among coaching payouts, ahead of Penn State’s James Franklin ($49 million) and Auburn’s Gus Malzahn ($21.4 million).

According to multiple reports, Kelly arrived at LSU’s football facility Sunday morning planning to evaluate staff changes, including potentially reassigning coordinators. However, a heated meeting with Woodward changed the tone of the day. By early afternoon, Kelly had left the facility, and his dismissal was finalized later that evening.

Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry reportedly met with LSU leadership and the Board of Supervisors to discuss the direction of the football program amid fan unrest.

Despite heavy investment in the transfer portal and a No. 1-ranked recruiting class entering 2025, the Tigers have averaged their fewest points per game since 2009 and fewest yards per game since 2011. LSU’s defense improved under Kelly this season, but the offense faltered, scoring fewer than 20 points in three of its last four games.

The loss to Texas A&M proved to be the breaking point, as “Fire Kelly” chants echoed through Tiger Stadium on Saturday night.

A 15-day transfer portal window for LSU players will open five days after the new coach is hired.