In a shocking turn of events, LSU has officially terminated Brian Kelly's contract, but the story doesn't end there. The university is now obligated to pay a staggering $54 million buyout, one of the most substantial in college football history!
But here's the twist: LSU's decision to fire Kelly without cause means they must foot the entire bill. This comes after a lawsuit and a public dispute over the terms of his departure. Kelly's record at LSU was 34-13, with a 19-10 record in SEC play, yet the school is now on the hook for millions. And this is where it gets intriguing... The termination letter, as reported by Yahoo! Sports' Ross Dellenger, reveals that LSU will pay the full amount, but only if Kelly secures another job, adhering to the contract's unique stipulations.
The controversy unfolded when LSU initially claimed they had grounds to fire Kelly 'for cause,' but later backtracked, stating he wasn't formally terminated. This led to a legal battle, with Kelly filing a lawsuit in the 19th Judicial District for the Parish of East Baton Rouge. The lawsuit alleged that LSU's representatives informed Kelly's team that they believed grounds for termination for cause existed, despite not formally letting him go.
And this is the part most people miss: Kelly's contract included a duty to mitigate cause, meaning he must actively seek employment post-firing. LSU expects him to document his job search diligently, including offers and interviews, as Dellenger's report highlights. This unique clause adds a layer of complexity to the situation.
The $54 million buyout ranks as the second-highest in college football, only surpassed by Jimbo Fisher's $76.8 million at Texas A&M. LSU's decision to pay this amount has sparked debates among fans and experts alike. Will Kelly find another coaching role soon, and will LSU's strategy to incentivize his job search pay off? The story continues to unfold, leaving many questions unanswered.
