Brian Kelly isn't doing himself any favors. LSU has yet to make the College Football Playoff with Kelly at the helm of the program, and after a lopsided loss to Texas A&M on Saturday night, LSU's playoff hopes for this season are done. The Tigers were thoroughly out-played in every aspect of the game, as the Aggies cruised to a 49-25 victory at Tiger Stadium. The loss marks LSU's first home defeat to Texas A&M since 1992.
Brian Kelly can't be serious with tone-deaf quote after LSU loss to Texas A&M
Kelly dominated national headlines over the past week for all the wrong reasons. Last week's loss to Vanderbilt led to discussion about a possible buyout for Kelly, and those conversations are out in full force yet again following the Texas A&M loss.
By the numbers: What is Brian Kelly's buyout?
Back in 2021, Kelly left Notre Dame to sign a 10-year, $95 million contract with LSU. Now in the 4th season of his deal, Kelly's current buyout would be approximately $53.3 million if he is dismissed without cause. It's a lofty number, and among the highest in the country. For reference, Penn State bought out James Franklin for just over $45 million and Florida bought out Billy Napier for over $20 million.
In the end, the total cost to LSU would exceed $53.3 million, as the school would have to pay for a whole new coaching staff. After all is said and done, it wouldn't be surprising to see the total cost of a Kelly buyout meet or exceed $100 million.
The fan base has reached a boiling point, as getting blown out in Baton Rouge to fall to 5-3 overall and 2-3 in SEC play in Year 4 leaves a big mark. For a team that entered 2025 with National Championship aspirations, Kelly simply isn't getting it done. He now owns a 34-14 record in Baton Rouge to go along with a less-than-ideal 19-10 mark in SEC play. Nick Saban, Les Miles, and Ed Orgeron all brought national titles to LSU by Year 4 of their respective tenures. Right now, Kelly isn't even close.
The road ahead continues to be tough for Kelly and the Tigers. After a bye, LSU heads to Tuscaloosa to battle No. 4 Alabama on Nov. 8. LSU also has a home game against Arkansas and a road tilt at No. 13 Oklahoma remaining on the schedule.