LSU fires head football coach Brian Kelly, in the fourth season of his 10-year, $100 million deal

WAKA Action 8 News,

Posted: Oct 27, 2025 12:45 AM CDT

LSU head coach Brian Kelly stands on the sideline during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Vanderbilt, Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025, in Nashville, Tenn. LSU fired him as head coach on Sunday, October 26, 2025. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)

LSU has fired head football coach Brian Kelly during the fourth season of a 10-year contract worth about $100 million.

The move announced by athletic director Scott Woodward tonight comes on the heels of a 49-25 loss to No. 3 Texas A&M in Tiger Stadium a night earlier.

That was the Tigers’ second straight loss and third in four games. They are now 5-3 this season and 2-3 in the SEC.

Kelly was hired away from Notre Dame following the 2021 season. He has gone 34-14 with the Tigers but LSU has not qualified for the College Football Playoff during his first three seasons and is virtually eliminated from contention this season.

Woodward says the financial terms of Kelly’s separation for LSU are still being negotiated.

“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. “Ultimately, the success at the level that LSU demands simply did not materialize, and I made the decision to make a change after last night’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.”

The Tigers fell to 5-3 this season and 2-3 in SEC play following a home loss to No. 3 Texas A&M on Saturday night.

The Tigers made their lone SEC Championship game appearance under Kelly in his first season in 2022. In 2023, they were led by quarterback Jayden Daniels, the Heisman Trophy winner and No. 2 overall NFL Draft pick.

Kelly is the winningest active coach in NCAA Football with 323 career victories. He amassed a 23-3 record in Tiger Stadium, including a 20-2 mark in night games in Death Valley.

Associate head coach/running backs coach Frank Wilson will serve as interim head coach for the remainder of the 2025 season.

“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.

“While there will certainly be speculation and reports on candidates and the process, together we will celebrate and welcome a new coach at the appropriate time. I urge all in the LSU community to continue to support our student-athletes and coaches as they compete the rest of the season.”