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Brian Kelly buyout: Details of LSU head coach's contract

Nakos updated headshotby: Pete Nakos54 minutes agoPeteNakos_
Brian Kelly
LSU Athletics

If LSU has fired Brian Kelly following an embarrassing home loss Saturday night to Texas A&M, sources told On3. The Tigers are on the hook to pay out their former head coach more than $53 million. The exact buyout remains unclear as specifics continue to be worked out, sources tell On3.

The contract includes a duty to mitigate clause, meaning Kelly would be required to search for a new job if he were fired. LSU would only have to pay the difference in salary between the buyout and his salary. Sources have told On3 that buying out Kelly’s current contract and his staff and hiring a new staff would likely cost north of $100 million.

LSU hired Brian Kelly away from Notre Dame in November 2021, signing him to a 10-year, $95 million deal that also includes incentives. Kelly’s buyout would mark the second-highest buyout in college football history.

LSU and Kelly had six years remaining on the deal. He would be paid 90% of his salary through the remainder of his contract if fired.

Here’s the buyout breakdown of Brian Kelly’s contract:

  • Buyout is $53.29 million after the 2025 season
  • Buyout drops to $43.9 million after the 2026 season
  • Buyout drops to $35.2 million after the 2027 season
  • Buyout drops to $26.6 million after the 2028 season
  • Buyout drops to $17.8 million after the 2029 season
  • Buyout drops to $9 million after the 2030 season
  • Buyout drops to $0 after the 2031 season

Kelly would receive $740,185 a month until Dec. 31, 2031, if his buyout is not negotiated down. He’s making $10.175 million this season. As part of Kelly’s contract with LSU, the head coach was given an interest-free mortgage loan with relocation costs of up to $1.2 million. The Tigers also pay for an annual car allowance, $275,000 per year for private air travel and a Baton Rouge country club membership.

Kelly was hired in 2021 after LSU fired Ed Orgeron. After a 12-year stint and 92–39 stint in South Bend, Kelly decided to take on the SEC. He’s posted two 10-win seasons, coming in 2022 and 2023. The Tigers faltered the last two seasons, going 9-4 in 2024. LSU is 7-6 in SEC games the last two seasons combined.