Brian Kelly wishes LSU football team well after coaching dismissal

Brian Kelly made his first public comments since he was fired as LSU’s head football coach.

Less than two weeks ago, LSU made the decision to part ways with Kelly despite six seasons remaining on his 10-year, $100 million contract he signed with the Tigers.

But there’s no disagreement, as he said he will support interim head coach Frank Wilson this Saturday when the Tigers take on No. 4 Alabama.

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Louisiana State University head coach Brian Kelly during the fourth quarter at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, South Carolina, Saturday, August 30, 2025. (Ken Ruinard / USA Today Network South Carolina / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)

“This journey started with high expectations with my own vision of how to get there,” Kelly said in a statement released to X. “Sometimes the journey doesn’t end the way we hope.

“But when I think of our time together, I will remember and appreciate what we have accomplished. All the outstanding student-athletes I have had the privilege of coaching. A Heisman Trophy winner and more than a dozen Tigers playing on Sundays, 39 players have earned SEC Academic Honor Roll honors in 2024 alone. My daughter and son earned advanced degrees from LSU and a third who began his career in working at the university.

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Kelly’s departure came after No. 3 Texas A&M knocked off LSU 49-25. The Tigers are now 5-3 overall and 2-3 in the SEC this season. Kelly left the program with a 34-14 record during his time in Death Valley.

“The defeats will always hurt, but I will remember all the victories,” he wrote. “I don’t need to tell you how special Saturday nights at Tiger Stadium are. I’m honored to have worn the purple and gold and be a part of it.”

LSU head coach Brian Kelly watches from the sidelines in the second half of an NCAA college football game against Alabama in Baton Rouge, La., Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024. (AP Photo/Gérald Herbert)

The Tigers have four games left in their regular season schedule, but it doesn’t appear they will make the College Football Playoff this year after falling short under Kelly.

“As everyone heads to the Tigers game, I wish Coach Wilson, the coaches and our players the best this weekend. I know they will do their best for themselves and for LSU. We will be watching and cheering for you,” Kelly added.

“This journey may be over, but it is a journey that will stay with me and my family forever.”

Kelly has a roughly $50 million buyout from LSU, barring settlement. That figure would be the second highest in college football history, behind Jimbo Fisher and Texas A&M.

LSU head coach Brian Kelly stands on the sideline during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Vanderbilt, Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025, in Nashville, Tennessee. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)

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As for who will replace Kelly next season and beyond, that decision will come down to athletic director Scott Woodward. He resigned following public comments from Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry, one of LSU’s largest shareholders.

Interim athletic director Verge Ausberry dismissed any rumors that Nick Saban would return to the program, but Ole Miss head coach Lane Kiffin was reportedly a candidate.

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