Records request reveals what Brian Kelly told LSU about buyout settlement
By Rolando Rosa
Published:
Brian Kelly will have to find another head coaching opportunity after being fired by LSU in late October. In a records request obtained by WBRZ News, an email from Kelly to LSU reveals that he’s open to a buyout settlement. Kelly has a reported $54 million buyout.
Kelly’s email was directed to then-LSU athletics director Scott Woodward, then executive deputy AD Verge Ausberry, LSU chief operating officer Julie Cromer and LSU football general manager Austin Thomas.
“As we discussed in our meeting, I’m open to your desire to reach a settlement of what’s owed to me under the contract, although of course it would have to make sense financially,” Brian Kelly said. “Despite your decision to let me go today, I am grateful to have had the opportunity to lead this program over the last four years and wish you all the best going forward.”
Negotiations are in progress between Kelly and LSU as both sides aim to find a resolution to reduce the buyout amount, which stands in its entirety as 90 percent of his 10-year, $95 million contract.
The 64-year-old Kelly finished with a 34-14 mark at LSU. However, he failed to guide the Tigers to an SEC championship or spot in the College Football Playoff.
