LSU refused to give defensive coordinator John Chavis a hefty raise that would’ve matched the pay of new Auburn coordinator Will Muschamp as the highest-paid college football assistant coach at $1.7 million.

Instead, the Tigers asked him to remain at “only” $1.3 million, thought to be one of the reasons Chavis left for a better financial package at Texas A&M.

But now LSU is pursuing a $400,000 buyout from The Chief for leaving early, as he was still under contract.

“I’m not sure if we’ll get it, but we’re going to try to get it,” LSU board member Ronald Anderson said, according to the Shreveport Times. “That was part of his contract. It’s his obligation.”

The longtime marriage between Chavis, LSU and Les Miles dissolved in a hurry. But with Chavis reportedly set to make $1.67 million per year with the Aggies, if he’s forced to pay the buyout, he’ll actually make less in 2015 in College Station than he would have in Baton Rouge.

Whether the Tigers recoup that money probably will determine whether former defensive line coach Brick Haley remains on the payroll. Pushed into limbo by the Ed Orgeron hiring, LSU would owe Haley $450,000 the next two years. (Miles referenced Haley as an “intern” in a recent press conference.)

Getting an influx of $400k would pay for almost the entirety of Haley’s contract for 2015, so the Times report indicated that Haley may remain in limbo until the buyout is resolved.