New details reveal how much is Brian Kelly suing LSU for after firing

Former LSU head coach Brian Kelly is officially taking his fight to court, filing a lawsuit against the LSU Board of Supervisors over the school’s refusal to pay his $54 million buyout, according to Outkick's Trey Wallace. 

The move escalates an already contentious standoff between the two sides following Kelly’s firing on Oct. 26 after a loss to Texas A&M. Kelly wants what's owed to him under the terms of his buyout agreement. On the other hand, LSU is seeking ways to soften the blow of another multi-million dollar payout. 

According to documents obtained by OutKick, Kelly’s legal team filed a “petition for declaratory judgment” late Monday evening, arguing that LSU has not formally acknowledged his termination while attempting to classify his firing as “for cause.” 

That designation would allow the university to avoid paying the full buyout owed under his 10-year $95 million contract. However, there has been nothing presented to Kelly or his legal team suggesting he was terminated by any means of his own. 

The lawsuit claims LSU informed Kelly’s attorneys that former athletic director Scott Woodward “did not have the authority” to fire the coach or negotiate a settlement on behalf of the school. The university reportedly maintains that it has grounds to terminate Kelly for cause, though it has not provided a specific justification.

Kelly’s attorneys are asking a judge to rule that the firing was not for cause and that LSU must honor the full financial terms of the agreement. The filing also notes that LSU previously acknowledged his termination was due to team performance, not misconduct.

How much does LSU owe Brian Kelly? 

Before resorting to litigation, LSU offered Kelly settlement packages of $25 million and $30 million, which he rejected. The lawsuit argues that the university missed its seven-day window to invoke a for-cause termination and is now “grasping for legal loopholes” to avoid paying the full $54 million. 

Governor Jeff Landry previously acknowledged hosting meetings with LSU officials about “the cost and legalities” of Kelly’s firing, suggesting the matter has been under political scrutiny from the start.

The standoff now sets the stage for a courtroom battle over one of the largest buyouts in college football history. Also, LSU’s next coach could take the reins while Kelly’s firing still isn’t technically official.

One thing is clear. There's a big mess to clean up down in Baton Rouge. 

More college football news: 

• Deion Sanders buyout, contract details as Colorado Buffaloes coach
• Brian Kelly buyout, contract details as LSU Tigers coach
• Heisman Trophy winner Travis Hunter suffers major blow during rookie season
• Will Lane Kiffin leave Ole Miss? What to know about latest rumors
• Beloved college football mascot diagnosed with cancer