Overview
- In Nov. 18–19 letters, Kelly’s lawyers told LSU officials Verge Ausberry and John H. Carmouche that the school’s claim he was not formally terminated has made it “nearly impossible” for him to secure another job.
- The LSU Board of Supervisors voted to authorize president Wade Rousse to issue a formal termination notice, with no public indication whether it will be for cause or without cause.
- Kelly has filed a petition in the 19th Judicial District seeking a declaratory judgment that he was fired without cause and is owed the full liquidated damages.
- LSU has explored a for‑cause rationale after questioning then‑AD Scott Woodward’s authority to dismiss Kelly, whose contract buyout is about $54 million, and he has rejected reported settlement offers of $25 million and $30 million.
- The dispute is unfolding during a busy coaching market with multiple Power Four vacancies, and reports say LSU is pursuing Ole Miss coach Lane Kiffin on a massive deal.