In October 2025, the once-thundering Tiger Stadium was filled with chants of “Fire Kelly,” signaling the end of a lackluster season for LSU. The following day, a “very tense” meeting between Brian Kelly and LSU Athletic Director Scott Woodward resulted in the coach’s departure, just after a disheartening defeat to Texas A&M.

This marked a rapid decline for Kelly, who had inked a groundbreaking $100 million contract merely four years earlier to helm one of the most prestigious programs in college football. Although he failed to deliver the national championships LSU had hoped for, Kelly’s financial future remained secure thanks to a substantial buyout clause, keeping his net worth a subject of ongoing interest.

Brian Kelly’s Net Worth and Financial Standing

As of October 2025, Brian Kelly’s net worth stands at an estimated $35 million. This impressive sum has been amassed over a lengthy coaching career that journeyed from Division II to the eminent programs of Notre Dame and LSU.

Kelly’s financial achievements reflect his enduring success and prominence in the fiercely competitive realm of college football coaching. His net worth places him among the top earners in the field, illustrating the lucrative nature of contracts awarded to elite coaches.

Brian Kelly’s Salary and Contract Details with LSU

His agreement with Louisiana State University was a record-setting deal, cementing his reputation as one of the highest-paid figures in college football coaching.

• Contract Value: A 10-year, $95 million deal, noted as the largest public-school college football contract in history when signed.

• Annual Salary: His average annual salary was $9.5 million, with his base pay for the 2025 season set at $9.4 million.

• Substantial Incentives: The contract included significant performance bonuses. Completing a full season earned him an additional $500,000, and another $500,000 was available for becoming bowl-eligible. Winning a conference or national championship could have added up to $1.35 million in incentives.

This contract formed the bedrock of his earnings during his tenure in Baton Rouge and played a central role in the financial terms of his departure.

The LSU Buyout: Understanding Brian Kelly’s $54 Million Payout

The most dramatic element of Brian Kelly’s current financial story is undoubtedly his buyout from LSU. When a coach is terminated before their contract expires, they are often owed a predetermined guaranteed payment.

• Buyout Figure: Following his firing in October 2025, Kelly’s buyout was reported to be in the range of $54 million.

• Contractual Clause: His contract stipulated that if he was let go without having won a national championship at LSU, he would be owed 90% of his remaining guaranteed salary . With years left on his deal, this clause led to the massive payout.

• Ongoing Negotiations: Reports indicated that the final terms of the separation were still being negotiated between the coach and the university at the time of the announcement.

This enormous buyout ensures that despite his on-field results, Kelly’s financial trajectory remains firmly upward.

A Look Back: Brian Kelly’s Career Earnings and Coaching Journey

Brian Kelly’s $35 million net worth wasn’t built overnight. It is the result of a steady climb through the coaching ranks over more than three decades. The table below tracks the evolution of his salary, highlighting the significant jump he made upon joining LSU.

His career began in earnest at Grand Valley State University, where he served as head coach for 13 seasons and won two NCAA Division II National Championships.

He then moved to Central Michigan and the University of Cincinnati, where his success led to his hiring at Notre Dame in 2010. After 12 seasons with the Fighting Irish, he made the stunning move to LSU ahead of the 2022 season.