After considerable back and forth in reporting over a potential settlement between Brian Kelly and LSU over his buyout, things appear to be gaining a little more clarity. The Advocate reported Sunday evening that Kelly is seeking his full buyout of $54 million.
To that end, Kelly and his lawyers issued a letter to new athletics director Verge Ausberry and a key member of the LSU Board of Supervisors requesting confirmation that the program will “fulfill its contractual obligation” to pay Kelly the “full liquidated damages,” The Advocate reports. They are seeking that confirmation in writing by 5 p.m. on Nov. 10.
Kelly will reportedly “pursue all available legal remedies” if he has not received written confirmation by that date. Still, the two sides remain at odds.
According to documents obtained by The Advocate, Brian Kelly rejected an offer of a $30 million payment made in two installments, as well as the removal of mitigation or offset clauses. Mitigation or offset clauses reduce the amount LSU would owe the former head coach should he secure employment elsewhere.
Despite that, the coach has reportedly been open to reaching a settlement. An e-mail from Brian Kelly obtained by WAFB-Baton Rouge confirmed that.
“As we discussed in our meeting, I’m open to your desire to reach a settlement of what’s owed to me under the contract, although of course it would have to make sense financially,” Kelly’s emailed letter read, per WAFB. “Despite your decision to let me go today, I am grateful to have had the opportunity to lead this program over the last four years and wish you all the best going forward. Best, Brian.”
Negotiations between Kelly and the LSU administration appear ongoing as the two parties explore ways to reduce the total buyout figured owed, which is approximately 90-percent of his remaining salary owed on the 10-year, $95 million deal Kelly signed in November 2021 after leaving Notre Dame.
Brian Kelly’s $54 million buyout, if a settlement to reduce the price tag is not reached, would be the second largest ever awarded to a Power Four head coach, behind only the $77 million owed to former Texas A&M coach Jimbo Fisher following his 2023 firing.
Kelly is currently still receiving his monthly disbursement of $740,185 through the end of the year as part of his $10.175 million salary this season, according to On3‘s Pete Nakos. Kelly left LSU after a little more than 3 1/2 seasons in Baton Rouge, during which he compiled a 34-14 overall record and 19-10 in SEC play, but failed to reach the College Football Playoff in any of his four years.
On3’s Alex Byington also contributed to this report.