Oct. 27 (UPI) — LSU fired football coach Brian Kelly, citing an uncompromising “pursuit of excellence,” athletic director Scott Woodward announced.
Woodward made the announcement Sunday night. He said he decided to fire Kelly after the Tigers’ 49-25 loss to the Texas A&M Aggies (8-0) on Saturday in Baton Rouge, La. The loss dropped the Tigers to 5-3 this season.
“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 Sunday in a news release. “Ultimately, the success at the level that LSU demands simply did not materialize, and I made the decision to make a change after [Saturday’s] game.
“I am grateful for the ongoing consultations and support of the LSU board of supervisors and interim president Matt Lee in this decision. We wish coach Kelly and his family the very best in their future endeavors. We will continue to negotiate his separation and will work toward a path that is better for both parties.”
Kelly signed a 10-year, $95 million contract to become the Tigers’ coach in 2021, when he opted to leave Notre Dame. That pact kept him with the Tigers through 2031.
Kelly led the Tigers to a 10-4 record in 2022. They went 10-3 in 2023 and 9-4 in 2024. Kelly led the Fighting Irish to a 113-40 mark over 12 seasons from 2010 through 2021. The Irish were forced to vacate 21 wins from 2012 through 2013 due to academic misconduct from their players.
Terms of the Tigers’ separation with Kelly are still being negotiated. Associate head coach/running backs coach Frank Wilson is set to serve as the Tigers’ interim coach.
“As a proud alum, and as the current caretaker of our athletics programs, I will not compromise in our pursuit of excellence and we will not lower our standards,” Woodward said. “I continue to believe that LSU is the best football program in America and that our head coach position is among the best considering our investment, our ability to attract and retain talent, our unbelievable fans, and our institutional and statewide commitment to — and love for — LSU Football.
“We will immediately begin a national search for a new head football coach, and I am confident in our ability to bring to Baton Rouge an outstanding leader, teacher and coach, who fits our culture and community and who embraces the excellence that we demand.”
The Tigers will battle the Alabama Crimson Tide (7-1) on Nov. 8 in Tuscaloosa, Ala.
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