Brian Kelly Suing LSU Over “For Cause” Termination

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If you thought that the “Firing Brian Kelly” saga would go away quickly and/or quietly, I’m sorry to say that it won’t be the case.

Kelly’s attorney’s filed a suit stating that LSU has not “formally terminated” him and that the university is now trying to fire Kelly “for cause” in order to avoid paying Kelly’s $54 million buyout.

According to a copy of the suit obtained by ESPN, “LSU’s representatives had a call with Coach Kelly’s representatives, where LSU took the position that Coach Kelly had not been formally terminated and informed Coach Kelly’s representatives, for the very first time, that LSU believed grounds for termination for cause existed.”

The lawsuit alleges that Scott Woodward did not have “the authority to terminate Coach Kelly and/or make settlement offers to him,” which would mean Kelly was never officially terminated.

LSU reportedly offered Kelly two different settlement amounts: $25 million, and then $30 million, which were both rejected by Kelly; Kelly’s representation reportedly countered with $43 million, but LSU rejected that offer.

“LSU has never claimed that Coach Kelly was terminated for cause and, prior to November 10, 2025, never asserted that he engaged in any conduct that would warrant such a termination,” the lawsuit reads. “To the contrary, LSU repeatedly confirmed, both publicly and to Coach Kelly, that the termination was due to the Team’s performance, not for cause.”

Per Kelly’s contract, LSU is required to notify him over a seven-day period that he is being terminated for cause and Kelly would get seven days to respond. That, according to the lawsuit, never occurred.

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