Yet, LSU has achieved precious little during his spell. The Tigers are without a College Football Playoff appearance during Kelly's tenure. Following their 49-25 loss to Texas A&M on Saturday — their third defeat in the last four games — they appear destined to miss out on the Big Dance once more.

Four seasons into his tenure, things just didn't quite click for Brian Kelly with LSU football.

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...