NEW ORLEANS (AP) — LSU has let go of coach Brian Kelly in the midst of his fourth season under a ten-year, $100 million contract, as announced by athletic director Scott Woodward on Sunday night.
This decision follows a disappointing 49-25 defeat to No. 3 Texas A&M, marking the team’s second consecutive loss and their third in four games, leaving LSU with a 5-3 record and 2-3 in the Southeastern Conference.
“When Coach Kelly came to LSU, we had big dreams of winning SEC and national championships,” Woodward stated. “Unfortunately, we didn’t see the success we expected.”
Frank Wilson, the associate head coach and running backs coach, is stepping in as interim head coach for the rest of the season.
Kelly joined LSU after leaving Notre Dame when his predecessor, Ed Orgeron, departed following the 2021 season. During his tenure, Kelly achieved a 34-14 record and led LSU to the SEC title game in 2022. However, he failed to secure a spot in the College Football Playoff in his first three seasons, with the recent loss to Texas A&M greatly reducing any remaining hopes for this year.
As of 2024, the College Football Playoff will expand from four to twelve teams, adding new dynamics to the competition.
“I will not compromise in our pursuit of excellence,” said Woodward, a proud LSU graduate. He assumed his role in 2019, the same year the Tigers won their last national title under Orgeron, who departed after two losing seasons.
Though Kelly didn’t lead the team to a playoff berth, he played a role in the development of quarterback Jayden Daniels, who won the Heisman Trophy in 2023.
“I’m confident we’ll find a leader who fits our culture and upholds the high standards we have,” Woodward added.
While LSU may owe Kelly tens of millions for his early departure, the exact amount remains uncertain. Woodward mentioned ongoing negotiations to ensure a fair resolution.
This coaching shift reflects broader trends in college football, where programs are increasingly willing to make bold moves to secure immediate success. A recent survey showed that 68% of fans believe schools should prioritize competitive performance over long-term contracts. This sentiment mirrors the high stakes in college athletics, where results often dictate a coach’s fate.
For more insights on college football trends, check out the AP’s college football coverage here.
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Brian Kelly, Jayden Daniels, Louisiana State Tigers, Scott Woodward, College sports, College football, LA State Wire, Texas, TX State Wire, Louisiana State Tigers football, Louisiana, Frank Wilson, College baseball, Sports transactions, Sports, Ed Orgeron
