Brian Kelly runs off the field before a game between Ole Miss and LSU at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium on Sept. 27, 2025.

Former LSU head coach Brian Kelly has filed a lawsuit against the LSU Board of Supervisors, claiming that the school is attempting to fire him "for cause" to potentially avoid paying his full $54 million buyout.

According to copies obtained by ESPN and Nola.com, the lawsuit – filed in the 19th Judicial District for the Parish of East Baton Rouge, Louisiana – asserts that LSU, through its representatives, has not officially terminated Kelly's employment but is considering grounds for a "for cause" termination.

Kelly was relieved of his coaching duties on Oct. 26, following a loss to Texas A&M. His legal team is seeking a declaratory judgment that confirms LSU's termination of Kelly was without cause and that he is entitled to receive the full liquidated damages specified in his contract.

At the time of announcing Kelly's departure, former LSU athletic director Scott Woodward said, "We wish Coach Kelly and his family the very best in their future endeavors. We will continue to negotiate his separation and will work toward a path that is better for both parties."

The lawsuit claims that LSU informed Kelly's representatives that Woodward lacked the authority to terminate Kelly or make settlement offers in October; therefore, Kelly was never officially terminated.

The lawsuit provides a comprehensive breakdown of the "for cause" termination process. According to this process, LSU must inform Kelly within seven days, and he, in turn, has seven days to respond. Kelly asserts that this notification never occurred. The "for cause" termination clause in Kelly's contract permits termination for several reasons, including "material and substantial NCAA rule violations," being convicted of a felony, crimes related to gambling, drugs, or alcohol, or engaging in serious misconduct, among other issues.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Brian Kelly sues LSU, alleging school seeks to fire him 'for cause' to avoid buyout

Reporting by Elizabeth Flores, USA TODAY / USA TODAY

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