Brian Kelly's buyout after LSU firing set to rival James Franklin's $49M payout from Penn State

Urban Meyer and Tom Rinaldi broke down the top options to be the next Head Coach of the Penn State Nittany Lions.

It was just last week when Penn State fired head coach James Franklin after a third straight loss, leading to a $49 million buyout by the Nittany Lions to let him get out of his contract. 

At the time, it seemed wild that a university would be willing to shell out that much money, but the potential buyout for former LSU head coach Brian Kelly could rival Franklin's. 

After the Tigers made the decision Sunday night to fire Kelly, less than 24 hours after LSU fell to Texas A&M 49-25 for its third loss in the last four games, both sides are still negotiating the financial terms of the split.

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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)

Kelly was in his fourth year of a 10-year, $100 million deal with LSU, which he signed after leaving Notre Dame. Kelly had $95 million in salary on that deal and 90% of it was guaranteed money. 

LSU FIRES FOOTBALL COACH BRIAN KELLY AFTER THIRD LOSS OF SEASON: REPORTS

Kelly and LSU athletic director Scott Woodward reportedly had a tense meeting on Sunday morning, according to The Athletic. The report added that during that meeting, Kelly’s $54 million buyout in his contract was brought up. 

There was also a coaching confrontation, as Woodward reportedly wanted to make changes to Kelly’s staff, which included axing offensive coordinator Joe Sloan. However, Kelly allegedly pushed back, saying he would rather make other moves on his staff. 

LSU head coach Brian Kelly yells to