Top-ranking officials at Louisiana State University and key university leaders are engaged in serious deliberations concerning the direction of football coach Brian Kelly’s tenure, according to information obtained by Yahoo Sports.
Although no immediate determination has been made, these discussions – which include the state’s chief executive – are currently in progress.
Officials are weighing different considerations in the determination regarding Kelly’s future, most significantly the $53 million obligation to buy out his contract, which is mitigated due to offset stipulations (it is lessened by future employment and would be paid out in segments over a number of years).
The circumstances in Baton Rouge are further complex since the university is in the process of selecting a permanent university president (the school has publicized five candidates). In the absence of a president, Governor Jeff Landry has taken on a significant role and is anticipated, if he has not already, to engage with influential benefactors and board personnel.
The Tigers experienced a decisive defeat at home against No. 3 Texas A&M on Saturday evening, conceding 35 straight points in the latter portion of a 49-25 thrashing. Loud expressions of dissatisfaction directed at Kelly reverberated from LSU supporters during and after the contest.
The defeat caused LSU’s overall record to fall to 5-3 and 2-3 in the Southeastern Conference. The Tigers have now suffered at least three defeats in each of Kelly’s four seasons leading the program.
