Brian Kelly, the former LSU Tigers football coach, has secured a new position after his departure from Baton Rouge.
Following his mid-season firing and the subsequent buyout process, Kelly is moving into TV commentary prior to the 2026 NFL Draft. While some coaches use such roles as temporary measures, Kelly may remain in this position for the foreseeable future. He has already featured on CBS Sports Network, providing analysis on this year’s player prospects.
Kelly’s LSU Tenure and Financial Implications
Kelly’s tenure at LSU concluded with a 34-14 record. A 49-25 defeat to Texas A&M proved a turning point for the programme before Lane Kiffin was pursued from Ole Miss. The $54 million buyout for Kelly, while not a record, has impacted LSU’s finances. The university faces approximately $150 million in financial obligations over the next seven years, covering Kelly and Kiffin’s contracts, alongside over $50 million in football roster expenditure this year.
Transition to Television and Future Coaching Ambitions
Moving into television work offers benefits for Kelly. He will be able to maintain the terms of his buyout, while remaining connected to college football in a different capacity. He has not ruled out a return to coaching.
“I don’t know that I’ve made the decision that I want to get back in,” Kelly stated on SiriusXM’s “Dusty and Danny in the Morning back in March. “I think while you wait, you need to work. And so, I need to stay in the game. My first order of business is this next two, three weeks, I’m gonna be visiting some places to see spring ball, get a chance to see some things relative to the football side, the operational side.”
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Lamar Jackson’s QB coach joins LSU staff.
Lane Kiffin tried to leave Ole Miss in 2024 for ‘another’ job, says former coach.
Former Ole Miss star player follows Lane Kiffin in latest move.
Demond Williams bombshell could have resulted in Lane Kiffin being fired by LSU.
Kelly’s future in coaching remains uncertain, though he plans to stay involved in football through visits and observation.