Copyright Baton Rouge Advocate
In a statement issued Sunday evening, LSU athletic director Scott Woodward explained his decision to part ways with football coach Brian Kelly just eight games into the 2025 season. Woodward said in the release that he decided a change was needed following LSU's 45-25 loss Texas A&M, explaining that a failure to meet expectations led to his call to part ways with Kelly. "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," Woodward said in Sunday's statement. "Ultimately, the success at the level that LSU demands simply did not materialize, and I made the decision to to make a change after last night's game." LSU's press release said that while the university and Kelly's separation is "effective immediately," the terms of Kelly's buyout of roughly $54 million are still being negotiated. "We wish Coach Kelly and his family the very best in their future endeavors," Woodward continued. "We will continue to negotiate his separation and will work toward a path that is better for both parties." Frank Wilson will serve as LSU's interim coach for the rest of the 2025 season. As for LSU's next football coach, Woodward said that a search "will immediately begin." "We will not lower our standards," Woodward said. "We will immediately begin a national search for a new head 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 embraces the excellence we demand.
