Governor Jeff Landry Sounds Off on Brian Kelly’s $53 Million Buyout.
Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry has made it clear he is not pleased with how LSU is handling former head coach Brian Kelly’s buyout, which could impact taxpayers. Following Kelly’s dismissal after a disappointing season, Landry said, “If we have to pay $53 million, and somebody else doesn’t step up to foot that bill, the state of Louisiana has to foot that bill.”
Kelly’s original contract with LSU, valued at nearly $100 million over 10 years, was among the most lucrative in college football when it was signed. The deal’s buyout clause, reportedly between $52 and $53 million, now stands as one of the largest payouts ever owed to a college coach.
Landry’s Frustration and Accountability Push
Governor Landry did not mince words when addressing LSU’s leadership, emphasizing that as a state institution, LSU’s contractual obligations ultimately fall on Louisiana taxpayers. He stated, “I’m tired of rewarding failure and leaving the taxpayers to foot the bill.”
In response to the financial backlash, Landry announced that Athletic Director Scott Woodward will not be responsible for hiring LSU’s next football coach. Instead, a selection committee under the LSU Board of Supervisors will oversee the process. The governor said future coaching contracts must include performance-based safeguards and stricter financial terms to prevent similar liabilities.
This development signals a growing concern in college athletics about how public universities structure contracts with high-profile coaches. While boosters often help cover buyouts, the state remains the financial safety net if private contributions fall short.
Broader Implications for College Sports
Landry’s comments come as coaching salaries and buyouts across the country continue to climb at an unprecedented rate. Universities often justify these deals by pointing to the economic and branding power of football success. Yet when those results do not materialize, public perception shifts quickly, especially when taxpayer funds are potentially at stake.
The LSU situation could become a case study in the need for reform in athletic governance. Expect more states and universities to reevaluate how coaching contracts are negotiated and how institutional accountability is enforced.
My Opinion: Oversight Is Necessary, But Balance Is Key
Governor Landry is right to question a system that allows state-affiliated universities to commit to massive financial agreements with little accountability. Regardless of donor support, a $53 million buyout is excessive by any reasonable standard. Public institutions should never risk that kind of exposure without transparent safeguards.
However, there’s also a fine line between fiscal responsibility and political interference. College football is an arms race, and competitive programs like LSU operate in a market where elite coaching talent commands high prices. Completely stripping the athletic department of autonomy could hinder LSU’s ability to attract the best candidates.
The ideal solution lies in balance.
Performance incentives, tiered buyouts, and independent audits can ensure that both athletic competitiveness and fiscal integrity are maintained. Landry’s stance should spark a national conversation about how universities manage athletic finances, not just in Louisiana, but across the entire NCAA landscape.
