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The LSU Tigers concluded their challenging regular season with a notable development, setting the stage for a bowl game despite a 7-5 record that falls short of College Football Playoff contention. The Tigers, however, have ignited a buzz by securing head coach Lane Kiffin from SEC rival Ole Miss.
This high-profile acquisition of Kiffin comes with a significant price tag. LSU’s agreement with him spans seven years and totals $91 million. The contract includes incentives tied to performance milestones, along with an annual budget ranging from $25 to $30 million dedicated to recruitment and player name, image, and likeness (NIL) deals.
Kiffin’s contract also features a substantial buyout clause, amounting to 80% of his remaining salary. Observers may wonder if LSU has learned from its past experiences with coaching contracts. Let’s examine the historical context.
Tyler Kaufman/Getty Images
In addition to Kiffin’s lucrative deal, LSU is currently embroiled in a legal dispute with former head coach Brian Kelly. Their split on October 26, during Kelly’s fourth season, has led to Kelly seeking the complete $54 million value of his buyout.
Adding to the financial commitments, LSU is also paying off a third former coach. Ed Orgeron, who led the Tigers to a national championship in 2019 with star quarterback Joe Burrow, parted ways with the team after the 2021 season. As part of their separation agreement, LSU agreed to a $16.9 million buyout for Orgeron, with the final payment due this season.
As part of the decision to go their separate paths, the Tigers gave Orgeron a buyout worth $16.9 million. The final of those installments will be paid out this season.
If you’re doing the math at home, that’s a collective $162 million on the books for Kiffin, Kelly, and Orgeron. That number could drop if the school is able to negotiate a settlement with Kelly. It could also get even higher if Kiffin leads the Tigers to an SEC title or national championship.
Coaching buyouts have become the norm in college football. And LSU is truly pioneering just how much a school can potentially owe multiple people at once.
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