Betting Big on Kiffin: LSU's $73 Million Gamble and What It Means for Taxpayers

LSU’s football team remains in the news in Louisiana with news that new LSU football coach Lane Kiffin has a massive $73 million buyout in his contract. This is in addition to a $54 million buyout in his previous contract that LSU has already in place for former coach Brian Kelly. As highlighted in your plan document, LSU was criticized by Governor Jeff Landry over paying a $54 million buyout for former LSU football coach Brian Kelly in a 10-year, $95 million contract. The news of this substantial buyout has left Louisiana taxpayers even perplexed, especially when considering that this huge amount sets a precedent for other coaches that LSU may want in the future. Though LSU asserts that this buyout reflects a commitment to staying together as a long-term family with new LSU football coach Lane Kiffin, many are left to question how this aligns with prioritizing finances with LSU rebuilding their identity as a powerful football institution in Louisiana. One common question that remains in most people’s minds as LSU launches this new journey with new LSU football coach Lane Kiffin remains a pressing question: “What will Louisianans think if LSU’s performance does not warrant such massive expenditures?”