Instead of going to court, the LSU Tigers are reportedly forking over former head coach Brian Kelly’s massive buyout.
On Wednesday night, ESPN’s Pete Thamel reported that Kelly received written notice that he has been terminated without cause, which will require the school to pay him the remaining money on his contract. The Tigers will owe him a whopping $54M, the second-largest buyout in college football history behind former Texas A&M Aggies HC Jimbo Fisher’s ($76.8M).
LSU clearly wanted to avoid paying Kelly, but he was determined to get his money. His lawyer had reportedly sent a letter to LSU that said its actions “made it nearly impossible” for the coach to land another job, which would’ve reduced his buyout. LSU, however, would face a hassle if it prolonged the legal battle, potentially hurting its chances of luring HC Lane Kiffin away from the Ole Miss Rebels.
How paying Brian Kelly’s buyout helps LSU focus on Lane Kiffin pursuit
A long-winded legal dispute with Kelly would’ve been a distraction that could’ve drained the school’s finances, worsening its standing with Kiffin, who the Tigers have been aggressively pursuing.
