Locked On LSU - Daily Podcast On LSU Tigers Football & Basketball

Brian Kelly on LSU Firing: Coordinators, Buyout, and What’s Next

Mar 7, 2026

Brian Kelly, veteran college coach and former LSU head coach, reflects on his firing and program-building decisions. He discusses giving coordinators too much autonomy, rebutting golf and drinking accusations, the role of NIL and LSU’s $40M+ roster, internal university politics, and whether he’ll return to coaching. Short, candid, and revealing conversation.

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INSIGHT

Kelly Unsure About Coaching Comeback

Brian Kelly is undecided on returning to coaching and plans to shadow spring and fall programs to evaluate where he can improve.
He'll visit former assistants' programs and stay close to the game while weighing the right situation before committing to coach again.

ANECDOTE

Kelly Explains Golf Rumors With Sideline Injury

Brian Kelly denied the rumor he played 350 rounds of golf and drank in his office, explaining he suffered a torn left rotator cuff in the Florida game.
He said the injury limited his golf and he spent months rehabbing after the sideline hit.

INSIGHT

Kelly Blames Coordinator Turnover For Lost Continuity

Kelly says rapid coordinator turnover cost continuity and admits he should have stayed closer to coordinators and play-calling.
As a long-time play-caller, he let OC/DC autonomy increase and now views that as a mistake.

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Brian Kelly has finally spoken publicly for the first time since being fired as LSU’s head coach.

In an interview on SiriusXM’s Dusty and Danny in the Morning, Kelly addressed the circumstances surrounding his departure from Baton Rouge and reflected on what he believes went wrong during his tenure with the Tigers. Kelly admitted one of his biggest regrets was giving too much autonomy to his young coordinators, saying he would handle that differently if given another opportunity.

Kelly also pushed back on criticism from people close to LSU who accused him of spending too much time golfing and drinking on the job—rumors that reportedly contributed to LSU attempting to fire him for cause.

The former LSU coach also made headlines with comments about the current state of the program, claiming Lane Kiffin’s 2026 LSU roster is worth more than $40 million, highlighting the growing NIL arms race in college football.

Finally, Kelly discussed his future. With a $54 million buyout from LSU that would be mitigated by any new coaching salary, Kelly didn’t sound fully committed to returning to the sideline anytime soon.

We break down the most revealing moments from Kelly’s interview and what it means for LSU moving forward.

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Brian Kelly on LSU Firing: Coordinators, Buyout, and What’s Next

Kelly Unsure About Coaching Comeback

Kelly Explains Golf Rumors With Sideline Injury

Kelly Blames Coordinator Turnover For Lost Continuity

TurboTax This year you’re getting a major upgrade — Intuit TurboTax now has in-person locations nationwide. Visit http://TurboTax.com/local to book your appointment today.

TurboTax
This year you’re getting a major upgrade — Intuit TurboTax now has in-person locations nationwide. Visit http://TurboTax.com/local to book your appointment today.