Overview
- Kelly filed a petition for declaratory judgment seeking confirmation that his October dismissal was without cause and that he is owed roughly $54 million.
- The lawsuit says LSU told his representatives on Monday that he had not been "formally terminated" and, for the first time, asserted potential grounds to fire him for cause.
- Documents show Kelly rejected a $25 million lump‑sum proposal from then‑AD Scott Woodward and a later $30 million two‑installment offer from executive deputy AD Julie Cromer.
- Under his 10‑year, $95 million contract, a without‑cause firing would pay 90% of his remaining compensation in equal monthly installments through 2031, a sum that would rank as college football’s second‑largest buyout.
- Leadership turnover and political pressure, including Woodward’s departure and Gov. Jeff Landry’s involvement, have complicated the dispute and affected LSU’s timetable for hiring a permanent coach.