Scott Woodward releases statement on firing of head coach Brian Kelly
Published:
LSU has officially fired head coach Brian Kelly, the program has announced.
The program parted ways with Kelly on Sunday evening following an embarrassing loss to Texas A&M on Saturday night. The Tigers dropped to 5-3 this season and have failed to meet lofty preseason expectations that included national championship contention.
LSU athletic director Scott Woodward announced the news in a statement.
“When Coach Kelly arrived at LSU four years ago, we had high hopes that he would lead us to multiple SEC and national championships during his time in Baton Rouge,” Woodward said in a release. “Ultimately, the success at the level that LSU demands simply did not materialize, and I made the decision to make a change after last night’s game. I am grateful for the ongoing consultations and support of the LSU Board of Supervisors and Interim President Matt Lee in this decision. We wish Coach Kelly and his family the very best in their future endeavors. We will continue to negotiate his separation and will work toward a path that is better for both parties.”
LSU’s press release on the matter also states that the terms of Kelly’s departure are “still being negotiated.” Kelly reportedly has a buyout worth north of $50 million, but specific details such as offset language and payment terms have not yet been announced.
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Kelly went 34-14 at LSU as the Tigers’ head coach.
Woodward also announced that Frank Wilson will serve as LSU’s interim head coach for the remainder of the season. Here is the remainder of Woodward’s statement:
As a proud alum, and as the current caretaker of our athletics programs, I will not compromise in our pursuit of excellence and we will not lower our standards. I continue to believe that LSU is the best football program in America and that our head coach position is among the best considering our investment, our ability to attract and retain talent, our unbelievable fans, and our institutional and statewide commitment to – and love for – LSU Football. We will immediately begin a national search for a new head football coach, and I am confident in our ability to bring to Baton Rouge an outstanding leader, teacher and coach, who fits our culture and community and who embraces the excellence that we demand.
“While there will certainly be speculation and reports on candidates and the process, together we will celebrate and welcome a new coach at the appropriate time. I urge all in the LSU community to continue to support our student-athletes and coaches as they compete the rest of the season.
Spenser is a news editor for Saturday Down South and covers college football across all Saturday Football brands.
