The LSU Football program is still searching for its next head coach, but that doesn't mean the program is done paying attention to Brian Kelly. It was initially reported that Kelly was open to a settlement that was less than his full $53.3 million buyout, but Kelly has since filed a lawsuit against LSU saying the school never "formally terminated" him.
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The LSU board of supervisors has since voted to allow new president Wade Rousse to formally terminate Kelly, but Kelly's attorneys are arguing that damage has already been done. According to ESPN, Kelly's attorneys have informed LSU that the school's claim that it had not "formally terminated" Kelly made it "nearly impossible" for Kelly to obtain another coaching job.
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ESPN reports that the letter was sent by Kelly's attorneys to LSU athletic director Verge Ausberry and board of supervisors member John H. Carmouche on November 18. The letter states Kelly "reserves all rights to seek any and all damages to the fullest extent permitted by law" for the interference in any potential job candidacy.
"LSU's conduct, including its failure to confirm that Coach Kelly was terminated without cause and its unsupported allegations of misconduct on the part of Coach Kelly, has made it nearly impossible for Coach Kelly to secure other football-related employment," the letter states. "LSU's conduct continues to harm Coach Kelly, particularly during this critical hiring period."
It's a messy situation that continues to get messier by the day. Kelly's attorneys are stating that the confusion around Kelly's situation at LSU is hindering is ability to get another coaching job. The college football coaching carousel has set records this season, and a total of nine Power Four jobs are currently open. That number could be on the rise as the regular season comes to a close in the coming weeks.
This truly feels like a soap opera, and it isn't doing LSU any favors. The school is still looking for a new head coach and is anxiously awaiting a decision from Lane Kiffin - the top candidate for the job. The Ole Miss head coach is the betting favorite to come to LSU, but with all the chaos surrounding the program, Tiger fans are worried it may be off-putting to Kiffin and other potential candidates. Only time will tell what shakes out, but Kelly's pending lawsuit is a situation worth monitoring as LSU looks to move on.