Attorneys: LSU’s conduct has ‘made it nearly impossible’ for Brian Kelly to land job

Brian Kelly’s attorneys have informed LSU in a letter that the school Claim that it was “not formally abolished” Kelly’s tenure as a football coach has made it “almost impossible” for Kelly to get another coaching job.

According to the letter, which was sent on Nov. 18 to LSU athletic director Verge Osberry and Board of Supervisors member John H. Carmouche, Kelly says he “reserves all rights to seek any and all damages to the fullest extent permitted by law” for interference with any potential job candidacy.

“As you know, there is no basis for LSU’s fabricated position that Coach Kelly was not terminated or that just cause existed for such termination,” the letter, obtained by ESPN, said. “LSU’s conduct, including the failure to confirm that Coach Kelly was fired without cause and the unsupported allegations of misconduct on the part of Coach Kelly, has made it virtually impossible for Coach Kelly to secure other football-related employment.

“LSU’s conduct is damaging to Coach Kelly, especially during this important recruiting period.”

LSU declined to comment because it is part of an ongoing legal case.

LSU’s Board of Supervisors voted Friday Allowing new President Wade Ruse to formally terminate Kelly. It was not stated on board whether the firing would be due to reason or without reason.

Kelly, 64, was initially relieved of his duties October 26, a day after the 49–25 loss Texas A&M Dropped the Tigers to 5-3. At the time, the school clarified in public statements that the dismissal was performance-related.

In November, according to Kelly’s legal filings, the school informed Kelly’s representatives that then-athletic director Scott Woodward did not have the authority to fire Kelly. The school then said it had reason to fire Kelly “for cause,” which would impact his contract payout, which is approximately $54 million.

In response, Kelly filed a petition for declaratory judgment In the 19th Judicial District for the Parish of East Baton Rouge (Louisiana), a judge was asked to dismiss claims that Kelly was fired without cause on October 26.

In a separate letter, dated November 19 and obtained by ESPN, Kelly’s lawyers say Carmouche told them that Carmouche “expressed his hope” that he would agree to send Kelly written confirmation of the termination without reason, but only after meeting with board members and Rouse.

The letter claims that Carmouche asked Kelly to withdraw the petition for declaratory judgment.

The November 19 letter also stated that Kelly would not withdraw the petition for declaratory judgment until he received “written confirmation” signed by Board of Supervisors Chairman Scott Ballard, Osberry and Rouse that “his dismissal was without cause” and that LSU “will meet its contractual obligation to pay full restitution to Coach Kelly.”

Kelly’s attorneys say the legal ramifications and confusion have made it difficult for Kelly to land an open head coaching job in college football. There are currently nine vacancies in the power conferences, with others expected to open as the coaching carousel begins after the regular season ends this weekend.

Kelly came LSU From Notre Dame in 2022 and went 34-14 overall. he coached before cincinnati, Central Michigan And Grand Valley State (Michigan), where he won two Division II national titles.

ESPN’s Mark Schlabach contributed to this report.