“At What Point Does He Receive Legitimate Criticism?” – LSU Tigers Fans Pointing Finger Towards AD Following Brutal 27-16 Loss

The LSU Tigers have suffered a third-straight loss this season after falling to the Florida Gators, who are arguably one of the worst SEC teams.

The Tigers are between a rock and a hard place, after signing coach Brian Kelly to a National Championship worthy contract without the necessary background. Kelly had done wonders with the Notre Dame Fighting Irish during his tenure, but perhaps proved the benefit of playing as an independent. After battling against top SEC competition week after week, the coach has arguably lose lost his job, but unfortunately for LSU Tigers fans, cannot be fired.

Kelly is in his third year of his LSU Tigers tenure and his yet to complete any of the massive championship hopes the program set for the coach. Kelly signed a very coach-favorable contract that not only increases in base pay each year, with a hefty near $62,000,000 price tag for a buyout. The coach will make $9,700,000 this season and will finish his contract in 2031 making an even $10,000,000.

The coach essentially cannot be fired without cause, either, as the athletic department would be on the hook for 90% of the remaining salary owed. Along with this, the LSU Tigers just finished paying out the initial buyout to acquire Kelly, which was $16,900,000, last year. Kelly has the second-highest buyout figure behind Georgia Bulldogs coach Kirby Smart, who would be owed nearly $120,000,000 if he were to be bought-out.

Kelly is currently 6-4 with the LSU Tigers this season, and a record of 26-11 since taking over the coaching duties. The coach finished his tenure with the Notre Dame Fighting Irish winning 92 games and losing 39, with the 2012-13 seasons being vacated.

At what point does #LSU AD Scott Woodward start getting legitimate criticism for negotiating a horrifically contract for a football coach who has never won a NC? It is incredibly coach friendly and hamstrings the university when the coach he selected continues to underachieve

— Ginigles (@GrapeSmuggla) November 16, 2024

With the LSU Tigers essentially stuck with Kelly for the foreseeable future unless funds became available, many fans have pointed their rage towards the athletic director. Scott Woodward, the man who negotiated the contract with Kelly, has received very little criticism over the current state of the Tigers football team.

Woodward is responsible for both the hiring and contract of Kelly, which was initially viewed as a concerning amount for someone without a national championship-winning track record. Now, the Tigers might be stuck with Kelly until 2031 regardless of how the 2024 season finishes due to the financial implications.

LSU Tigers Likely Stuck With Coach Brian Kelly Moving Beyond 2024 Season

Unfortunately for LSU Tigers fans, with the financial issues surrounding the possible firing of Brian Kelly, the coach will likely remain with the team for the foreseeable future.

With a near $62,000,000 price tag surrounding the firing of Kelly, the Tigers are going to have to stick things out and hope they get better for at least another season.

Kelly has not had a finish below 8-5 since the 2016 season when the Fighting Irish went 4-8 in a rebuilding year. The coach will have a seven-year streak of winning double-digit games snapped this season after the latest loss the LSU Tigers suffered against the Florida Gators.

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