Brian Kelly Addresses LSU Firing, Says Tigers Are Spending Over $40 Million on 2026 Roster

Overview

• In a SiriusXM interview, the former LSU coach called his midseason dismissal disappointing and acknowledged he "didn't win enough games."
• LSU let him go after a 49–25 loss to Texas A&M in 2025, with athletic director Scott Woodward saying the program's expected level of success was not met.
• Kelly finished 34–14 over roughly four seasons at LSU and did not reach the College Football Playoff.
• He is set to receive a reported $54 million buyout that includes a mitigation clause, and he is visiting campuses during spring practices while keeping coaching options open.
• Kelly said LSU's 2026 roster outlay exceeds $40 million, and reporting credits Lane Kiffin with a sizable transfer‑portal class that includes QB Sam Leavitt and OT Jordan Seaton with totals near 40 additions reported.