LSU's New Coach Deal: Big Money and Unusual Perks

LSU has signed Lane Kiffin to a massive contract. It pays him $13 million a year. This is more than what Brian Kelly earned. The deal lasts seven years, until 2032. If LSU fires Kiffin without a good reason, they must pay him 80% of his remaining salary. There is no offset for another job. For example, if they fire him after the 2026 season, they owe him $62. 4 million. This is more than Kelly's $54 million buyout. Kelly had to find another job to reduce his buyout. Kiffin does not have this requirement. Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry criticized LSU's previous big contracts. He said they would not repeat the same mistakes. Yet, LSU gave Kiffin a bigger deal. Landry approved the contract after talking to Kiffin during the hiring process. Kiffin's contract has a unique clause. If Ole Miss, his former team, succeeds in the College Football Playoff, LSU will pay him the bonuses he would have earned there. This includes $150, 000 for an appearance and up to $1 million for winning the national title. Another clause makes Kiffin the highest-paid coach in the sport if he wins a national title at LSU. This escalator clause can only be used once. If Kiffin leaves for another job, his buyout starts at $7 million until the end of 2026. After that, it decreases by $1 million or more each year.