The sudden availability of the LSU job creates a hiring nightmare for the Gators, as top coaching candidates will now prioritize what many consider a top-five position in college football.

College football analyst Josh Pate slams former LSU head coach Brian Kelly for being "checked out" well before his firing

In a move that sent shockwaves across the college football world, LSU head coach Brian Kelly was relieved of his duties in Baton Rouge on Sunday night amid a 5-

While negotiations are still ongoing between both parties, Kelly's contractual buyout of more than $50 million would be the second largest ever paid to a college football coach -- behind only Jimbo Fisher, who received more than $76 million after being fired by Texas A&M in November 2023.

Why did LSU fire football coach Brian Kelly? Here's a closer look at what led to the Tigers' decision, along with Kelly's record and buyout