BREAKING: LSU has officially parted ways with head coach Brian Kelly following intense scrutiny from staff and players. The decision, confirmed by LSU athletic director Scott Woodward on October 29, 2025, comes after a disappointing fourth season that saw the Tigers fail to qualify for the College Football Playoff.
The fallout from Kelly’s departure is immediate and significant. After signing a $95 million contract in December 2021, expectations were high for the coach who had previously achieved success with the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. However, the last three coaches at LSU—Ed Orgeron, Les Miles, and Nick Saban—all concluded their fourth seasons with national championships, making Kelly’s failure particularly glaring.
Reports from unnamed LSU staffers reveal a troubling disconnect during Kelly’s tenure. They allege that he struggled to remember players’ names, with one staff member stating, “
LSU’s rivals would use that against us: ‘He’ll never talk to you guys. He doesn’t even know the players’ names.’
” The culture clash was evident, as another staffer claimed, “
He really stripped the culture of what this place is. You know this place is not regular, man.
”
This criticism has sparked a firestorm among the LSU community, highlighting the emotional impact of Kelly’s exit on current and former players. The atmosphere at Tiger Stadium was palpable during the last game, with fans witnessing a nearly empty arena by the final quarter of a blowout loss to Texas A&M on October 25, 2025.
As LSU looks for a new head coach, discussions are underway about who might be the best candidate to lead the program back to its former glory. Sports analyst Joel Klatt has already weighed in, suggesting potential replacements and analyzing whether this coaching vacancy might be the most coveted in college football.
The immediate future for LSU football is uncertain, but one thing is clear: the program is at a crossroads, and the next steps will be critical in restoring its storied legacy. Fans and players alike will be watching closely as LSU embarks on this new chapter.
Stay tuned for further updates as this story develops. Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage for the latest news on LSU and the upcoming coaching search.
