Brian Kelly out as LSU football coach

BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First) — Brian Kelly is out as coach of the LSU football team.

According to a press release from the LSU Athletics Department, the terms of Kelly’s separation are still being negotiated.

The Louisiana First Geaux Nation team confirmed that LSU held a team meeting on Sunday night to deliver the news.

“When Coach Kelly arrived at LSU four years ago, we had high hopes that he would lead us to multiple SEC and national championships during his time in Baton Rouge,” Director of Athletics Scott Woodward said. “Ultimately, the success at the level that LSU demands simply did not materialize, and I made the decision to make a change after last night’s game. I am grateful for the ongoing consultations and support of the LSU Board of Supervisors and Interim President Matt Lee in this decision. We wish Coach Kelly and his family the very best in their future endeavors. We will continue to negotiate his separation and will work toward a path that is better for both parties.”

Associate Head Coach Frank Wilson was named interim coach for the remainder of the season. Wilson is the former head coach at McNesse State.

LSU lost Saturday to Texas A&M, 49-25, dropping LSU out of the Top 25 ranking.

Kelly was hired in 2021 with one of the largest contracts in college football.

“As a proud alum, and as the current caretaker of our athletics programs, I will not compromise in our pursuit of excellence and we will not lower our standards,” Woodward said. “I continue to believe that LSU is the best football program in America and that our head coach position is among the best considering our investment, our ability to attract and retain talent, our unbelievable fans, and our institutional and statewide commitment to – and love for – LSU Football. We will immediately begin a national search for a new head football coach, and I am confident in our ability to bring to Baton Rouge an outstanding leader, teacher and coach, who fits our culture and community and who embraces the excellence that we demand.

“While there will certainly be speculation and reports on candidates and the process, together we will celebrate and welcome a new coach at the appropriate time. I urge all in the LSU community to continue to support our student-athletes and coaches as they compete the rest of the season.”

Kelly finishes his LSU tenure with a 34-14 record, with a 19-10 record in the SEC.

LSU is on a bye week—they face Alabama on November 8 in Tuscaloosa.

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