LSU employed Brian Kelly away from Notre Dame earlier than the 2022 season. On the time, the varsity felt prefer it had discovered the following coach that might meet the lofty expectations to compete for a nationwide title. But that by no means fairly occurred. The Tigers had been pretty stable in Kelly’s first two seasons, profitable 10 video games each years and ending within the high 15 within the Coaches Ballot. However they stumbled final 12 months and continued their woes this season. After a 5-3 begin, which included losses in three out of the final 4, LSU determined it was time to half methods with Kelly.
He finishes his LSU profession over three-and-a-half seasons with a file of 34-14; the Tigers’ file in SEC play was simply 19-10. Kelly will depart and not using a nationwide championship, although he’ll stroll away with a ton of cash.
LSU continues to be finalizing Kelly’s buyout, however as of now, the varsity owes its former coach a whopping $54 million.
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Kelly’s contract requires a buyout price 90% of his remaining base wage and extra compensation, together with a “longevity compensation” bonus that can be paid on July 15, 2026. Kelly was beneath contract by way of New Yr’s Eve in 2031, or the Tigers’ remaining sport of that season, whichever got here final.
There’s additionally a “responsibility to mitigate” clause in Kelly’s contract. Which means he has to search for different jobs; he cannot simply relaxation on his laurels and money in. He is already 64 years previous, but when he desires that buyout cash, he cannot fairly retire simply but.
Underneath his deal, Kelly’s base wage was solely $400,000. Nonetheless, he obtained the longevity compensation bonus each July 15 which was price $500,000. And he acquired an extra $9 million in supplemental pay from January 1 of this 12 months to December 31 of 2026. That supplemental pay would improve by $200,000 each two years.
The mixture of pay made Kelly a top-ten highest-paid coach in faculty soccer. Due to that, his buyout can be one of many wealthiest the faculty sport has ever seen (assuming he will get paid the complete quantity). Penn State’s James Franklin acquired a $50 million buyout earlier this 12 months. Texas A&M fired Jimbo Fisher in November 2023 and owes him $76 million, nonetheless the very best buyout for a university soccer coach.
Kelly is probably going disheartened that he could not lead the Tigers to a different nationwide championship. Falling brief in that purpose might be simpler to abdomen while you’re being paid thousands and thousands of {dollars} anyway.
