LSU has made a bold decision, firing head coach Brian Kelly after just over three seasons. The university’s hopes for a championship season have quickly faded, especially after the Tigers dropped to 5-3 this season.
This trend of firing coaches mid-season, even with expensive buyouts, is becoming more common in college football. Only weeks ago, Penn State let go of coach James Franklin despite a hefty nearly $50 million buyout. Now, LSU faces a potential bill of around $54 million for Kelly, making it one of the largest buyouts in the sport. Experts say that buyouts can often be reduced by any future earnings the fired coach makes in football-related jobs, which might lessen LSU’s financial burden going forward.
LSU’s Director of Athletics, Scott Woodward, hinted at negotiations to ease this financial hit. He noted that he made the decision following a tough loss to Texas A&M, a game that showcased the gap between LSU and its competition. This kind of shift in leadership reflects a growing willingness among wealthy programs to absorb significant costs if they believe it leads to better results. For instance, Texas A&M’s decision to fire Jimbo Fisher and pay out a record $77 million has since helped them find success under new leadership.
The pressure on coaches at LSU is immense, especially since all three previous coaches won national titles. Kelly, whose career winning percentage is impressive, had brought excitement when he was hired from Notre Dame. He produced a solid record at LSU but failed to secure a playoff spot last season.
Recent social media reactions highlight the discontent among fans. Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry even weighed in on ticket price hikes, suggesting the university rethink its plans after the team’s disappointing performance.
As college football adapts to the expanded 12-team playoff system, the stakes and expectations have shifted. Coaches now have less room for error if they want to make a deep playoff run. The pressures of college football are transforming the way programs approach coaching decisions and financial commitments.
For more in-depth analysis on the financial implications of college football coaching changes, check out resources like USA Today Sports.
