LSU, Kelly In Talks After 49–25 Loss

No. 3 Texas A&M routed LSU 49–25 at Tiger Stadium in Baton Rouge, with Tiger Stadium partly emptying amid “Fire Kelly” chants and visible fan unrest. LSU officials are holding high-level discussions about head coach Brian Kelly’s future after the loss and are negotiating over his roughly $53–$54 million buyout, with offset language and installment provisions complicating any separation. Kelly left his office early Sunday and had not returned as of reports, and several position coaches were reportedly sent home while administrators pursue options. The Tigers are 5–3 (2–3 SEC) after losing three of four games, and slipping offensive and defensive metrics have intensified scrutiny despite Kelly’s 34–14 record at LSU. Multiple outlets report administrators are seeking a compromise to limit the payout and that Kelly has likely coached his last game, though no resolution has been reached. The debate over Kelly’s future has involved LSU’s search for a permanent university president and outreach by Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry to donors and board members.