Brian Kelly's rocky run at LSU is officially over, and it sounds like his final meeting with athletic director Scott Woodward was the breaking point.
Videos by FanBuzz
Chris Graythen via Getty Images
LSU announced Sunday night that it had fired Kelly after Saturday's embarrassing loss to Texas A&M, ending a tense, disappointing season that spiraled fast. The school said the two sides "will continue to negotiate his separation," though Kelly's $53 million buyout looms large.
His deal does include clauses that could lessen LSU's payout if he lands another job.
According to The Athletic's Bruce Feldman and Ralph D. Russo, Kelly and Woodward met Sunday afternoon for what was described as a "very tense" conversation. Woodward reportedly demanded staff changes — including the firing of offensive coordinator Joe Sloan — but Kelly pushed back, suggesting other moves instead.
That's when things "escalated."
The Athletic adds that "threats" were made about negotiating Kelly's massive buyout, though it's unclear if Woodward had official authority from the school's board to do so.
Either way, Kelly likely knew he was done once the meeting ended. By Monday morning, LSU announced Sloan had been let go as well.
The Tigers opened the year ranked No. 3 in the nation but stumbled badly in SEC play, going 2-3 over their last five games. Kelly's sideline frustration and testy exchanges with reporters didn't help his case, and fans had already turned on him.
In the end, Saturday's loss and Sunday's showdown sealed it. LSU was ready to move on.
