Brian Kelly Steps Down as LSU Football Coach

BATON ROUGE, La. — Brian Kelly has stepped down as the head coach of the LSU football team. The announcement came through a press release from the LSU Athletics Department, which mentioned that the details of Kelly’s departure are still being worked out.

The Louisiana First Geaux Nation team reported that LSU held a team meeting on Sunday night to inform players and staff about the decision.

“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,” said Scott Woodward, the Director of Athletics. “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.”

Frank Wilson, the associate head coach, has been named the interim coach for the remainder of the season. Wilson previously served as the head coach at McNeese State.

LSU suffered a significant loss to Texas A&M on Saturday, with a final score of 49-25. This defeat caused the team to drop out of the Top 25 rankings.

There have been discussions about increasing ticket prices for LSU football games following the blowout loss to Texas A&M.

Kelly was brought on in 2021 with one of the largest contracts in college football history.

“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 stated. “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 leaves LSU with a record of 34-14, including a 19-10 mark in SEC play.

LSU is currently on a bye week and will face Alabama on November 8 in Tuscaloosa.

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