Paul Finebaum: LSU had 'no other option' but to fire Brian Kelly

On Sunday, LSU fired head coach Brian Kelly, who was in his fourth season with the program. During an appearance on First Take on Monday, ESPN’s Paul Finebaum revealed whether he believes it was necessary for LSU to part ways with Kelly.

“It was, for a lot of reasons. But, mainly, he lost his locker room, he lost his fan base and the school had no other option,” Finebaum said. “It sounds like a lot of money, and it is a lot of money. But, in the world of college football, there is no next chance. We’ve seen that too many times. And, when James Franklin can go for $50 million and Kelly for $54 [million] it means that nobody is safe anymore, nobody in college football.

“What’s really interesting about this is that the man who hired Brian Kelly at LSU, Scott Woodward. He was now on the lam for those $54 million, also hired Jimbo Fisher at Texas A&M and had to pay him $76 million. I doubt Scott Woodward’s heading to Wall Street anytime soon, people.”

LSU made its decision after Brian Kelly and Co. fell to 5-3 on the season following a 49-25 blowout loss to Texas A&M. School executive, the athletic department and even Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry were involved in the expensive decision.

Barring any negotiations, the school will owe Kelly over $53 million for his buyout, the second largest in college football history, only trailing Texas A&M’s Jimbo Fisher. As Finebaum mentioned, athletic director Scott Woodward was responsible for both hires.

In his four seasons at LSU, Brian Kelly led the program to a combined 34-14 overall record and a 19-10 mark in conference play. LSU finished with 10 wins in each of Kelly’s first two seasons at LSU. However, in the 2024 campaign, the Tigers posted a 9-4 record.

With three losses already in the 2025 campaign, it appeared LSU was on track for another sub 10-win season under Kelly. The school ultimately decided to make a move instead of seeing if Kelly could spark a turnaround.

The head coach opening at LSU immediately becomes one of the most coveted in college football. With a storied history and no shortage of financial backing, no shortage of coaches will be interested in taking over in Baton Rouge.

LSU has the No. 10 class in the 2026 recruiting cycle. Moreover, No. 1 overall 2026 prospect Lamar Brown is committed to the Tigers. LSU may act fast to ensure it doesn’t lose its incoming commits due to an uncertain future for the program.