Buyouts have become commonplace in college football, though their exorbitant costs remain a point of contention. Last season, Texas A&M paid Jimbo Fisher a staggering $77.6 million to terminate his contract, a figure unlikely to be surpassed soon.
However, LSU might approach that sum with their current head coach, Brian Kelly, whose buyout could reach approximately $60 million by 2024, as reported by Stewart Mandel of The Athletic.
Of course, such a payout would likely hinge on a markedly disappointing season from the Tigers prompting the decision to part ways with Kelly. Despite his divisive presence in college football, Kelly has delivered results, guiding LSU to a 20-7 record in his initial two seasons.
With recent changes like the expanded 12-team College Football Playoff and the SEC’s elimination of divisions, LSU finds itself in prime position to vie for both conference titles and national prominence.
Moreover, Kelly’s tenure has bolstered LSU’s recruiting efforts, securing the nation’s No. 4 class for 2025, highlighted by top-ranked quarterback Bryce Underwood. Nevertheless, LSU’s fanbase demands championship contention, and failure to deliver could intensify calls for a coaching change.
