LSU Football Faces Staggering $162 Million Bill for Current and Former Coaches

The LSU Tigers have committed an unprecedented sum to football leadership. The school is now paying three different head coaches a combined $162 million. This situation highlights the extreme financial pressures in modern college sports.

According to reports from ESPN and the Associated Press, these payments include a new hire, an active lawsuit, and a lingering buyout. The figures stem from guaranteed contracts and separation agreements common in the SEC.

Breaking Down the Monumental Financial Commitments

The largest piece is the new contract for Lane Kiffin. LSU hired him away from Ole Miss in a splash move. His deal is worth $91 million over seven years.

It also includes a massive buyout clause. Kiffin would be owed 80% of his remaining salary if fired. The school agreed to this despite recent expensive exits.

Then there is the messy separation from Brian Kelly. The school and coach parted ways in October of the last season. Kelly is now suing LSU to obtain his full $54 million buyout.

This lawsuit could tie up the athletic department for some time. A settlement may reduce the final number, but it remains a major liability.

A National Championship Still Costs Millions

The third coach on the payroll is Ed Orgeron. He led the Tigers to a national title in 2019 with Joe Burrow. The school mutually parted ways with him after the 2021 season.

That decision came with a $16.9 million buyout agreement. The final installments are being paid this very season. It is a lasting cost of past success.

Collectively, this creates a severe budget strain. Athletic departments rely heavily on football revenue and donor support. Such enormous fixed costs limit flexibility for facilities, other sports, or future hires.

Experts cited by sports business analysts see this as a cautionary tale. Guaranteed contracts with high buyouts are now standard. LSU’s case shows the potential cumulative effect.

The LSU coaching buyouts saga underscores a high-stakes era in college football. Schools are betting millions on coaching talent, with financial repercussions lasting for years.

Thought you’d like to know

How much is Lane Kiffin’s new LSU contract worth?

Lane Kiffin’s deal with LSU is worth $91 million over seven years. It also includes a substantial annual budget for recruiting and NIL deals for players.

Why is Brian Kelly suing LSU?

Brian Kelly is suing to obtain the full $54 million buyout from his contract. The school and coach parted ways eight games into his fourth season, leading to the dispute.

How much did Ed Orgeron’s buyout cost?

LSU agreed to pay Ed Orgeron a $16.9 million buyout after the 2021 season. The payments are being distributed in installments, with the final ones due currently.

What is the total amount LSU owes these three coaches?

Combined, LSU is responsible for $162 million in commitments to Lane Kiffin, Brian Kelly, and Ed Orgeron. This figure could change based on Kelly’s lawsuit outcome.

Why are coaching buyouts so high now?

High buyouts are now standard to attract top coaches and provide them job security. They protect the coach if they are fired before their contract ends, but create huge liabilities for schools.