LSU has officially terminated Brian Kelly’s contract, ending a drawn-out legal dispute over his buyout. The move ensures that Kelly will receive the full payout owed under his contract, which is reported to be in the range of $53–54 million.

Earlier this month, Kelly’s legal team filed suit, challenging LSU’s claim that his dismissal was “for cause.” If the school had prevailed, it could have avoided paying the full buyout. The dispute was further complicated by questions over whether the former athletic director had the authority to fire Kelly when the move was initially announced in late October.

Following a unanimous vote by the university’s board in an executive session, new university president Wade Rousse issued the formal termination notice. With this step, LSU has made clear that it will honor the terms of Kelly’s contract, bringing an end to one of the largest buyout disputes in recent college football history.