The LSU Board of Supervisors will meet Friday to discuss Brian Kelly’s lawsuit demanding his full buyout from the university, according to On3’s Pete Nakos. The session will include closed-door discussions about the former head coach’s legal challenge.
Kelly filed a 48-page complaint earlier this month in the 19th Judicial District Court in East Baton Rouge. He’s arguing LSU never officially terminated him after his Oct. 26 dismissal.
LSU fired Kelly one day after a 49-25 home loss to Texas A&M.
Then-athletic director Scott Woodward cited on-field performance as the reason for the dismissal. Woodward has since been fired, with Verge Ausberry taking over as athletic director.
Kelly claims LSU is trying to classify his firing as “for cause” to avoid paying the $54 million buyout in his contract. LSU officials told Kelly’s representatives during a phone call that the school believed grounds for termination for cause existed.
Kelly’s attorneys say this stance was raised for the first time during that conversation.
LSU attempted multiple settlement offers, including $25 million and $30 million, according to the report.
Kelly’s legal team also alleged that someone from Gov. Jeff Landry’s office was expected to contact Kelly about the buyout. Landry had publicly called it a “$53 million liability.”
The Tigers are still searching for their next head coach with two weeks remaining in the season.
