The Dan Patrick Show – Hour 1: LSU Fires Brian Kelly for $54M Buyout, Andy Staples
Date: October 27, 2025
Host: Dan Patrick (iHeartPodcasts, Dan Patrick Podcast Network)
Featured Guest: Andy Staples, On3 Sports
Overview
In this episode, Dan Patrick dives into one of the biggest stories in college football: LSU firing head coach Brian Kelly for a $54M buyout after a blowout loss to Texas A&M. The show blends Dan’s signature humor, insider insights, and panel banter, touching on NFL storylines, MVP debates, and college football job openings. Andy Staples joins to provide expert commentary on the Brian Kelly firing, coaching carousel, and the shifting landscape of college football.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. LSU Fires Brian Kelly – Reaction & Fallout
- Background: LSU has fired head coach Brian Kelly after only three seasons, buying him out for $54 million following a home loss to Texas A&M.
- Immediate Takeaways:
- Dan and the crew highlight the shock in the college sports world but note that this move wasn’t entirely surprising due to poor fit and performance.
- Discussion of the growing trend of massive buyouts and quick coaching changes in college football.
Dan Patrick:
“Brian Kelly, it was never a good fit. We talked about it...it felt like something was going to happen there, and not a good thing.” (09:17)
- Why Did This Happen?
- Dan and Andy discuss how LSU boosters and alumni have very little patience after heavy investment in coaches and players.
- Firing longtime strength coach Tommy Moffat, an LSU institution, marked an early misstep for Kelly and soured key relationships.
- LSU’s recent history: All three previous LSU coaches won national titles by year four; expectations were sky-high.
Andy Staples:
“Once the governor decides you’re fired, you’re going to be fired.” (25:27)
- Personality Fit:
- Brian Kelly’s personality apparently grated on people at LSU, and in the absence of on-field success, this became a liability.
Covino:
“It feels like there is no scandal. There is no anything. We just don’t like you… rather than some big blow up.” (11:33)
2. What’s Next for Brian Kelly?
- Buyout Details:
- Brian Kelly gets $53M but must mitigate by seeking other work (standard contract clause).
- At age 64, will Kelly seek another coaching job—or ride off into the sunset?
- Coaching “Fraternity” Factor:
- Dan and Staples debate whether a coach like Kelly could retire on this note or, driven by pride and competitive fire, will need to find a new opportunity.
Dan Patrick:
“You can’t leave the coaching world, community, fraternity this way. That’s not the way these guys are wired.” (27:56)
3. Coaching Carousel: Lane Kiffin, Urban Meyer, and More
- Lane Kiffin:
- Staples calls him “the hottest name in the coaching carousel” with both Florida and LSU likely interested, in addition to Ole Miss hoping to keep him.
- Kiffin will likely wait for the biggest payday, with Staples referencing the famous “Breaking Bad” money pile scene. (29:27)
- Urban Meyer & Nick Saban:
- Speculation about top-tier coaches returning to college football (including jobs like Penn State), but Staples is skeptical, noting the TV gigs are easier and the current NCAA environment is less appealing.
4. Best Coaching Jobs in College Football (Current Openings)
- Staples’ Rankings:
- LSU – Best because even non-legendary coaches have won national titles; resources and recruiting are elite.
- Florida & Penn State – Tied; both are high pressure with high ceilings, but Florida has “a quick hook.”
- Other Potential Openings – Tulane, Memphis if coaches leave.
Andy Staples:
“At Florida, you might have to be a Hall of Fame coach to get there. At LSU, you don’t necessarily have to be that, and that’s why I give them the nod.” (31:02)
5. Who Might Fill Those Jobs?
- Potential Candidates:
- Penn State: Names like Jeff Brohm (Louisville), Eli Drinkwitz (Missouri), Bob Chesney (James Madison/Holy Cross), and even Clark Lea (Vanderbilt).
- Discussion about hiring from less traditional pipelines and ignoring “we can’t hire from that school again” limitations.
6. The NIL, Transfer Portal, and Buyout Era
- Changing Dynamics:
- Patience for coaches is gone—big money for both coaches and players means shorter timelines for success.
- Debate about contract structures—Staples advocates for large annual pay, but shorter guarantees, akin to Hollywood’s shift to front-loaded streaming contracts.
- Dan proposes back-end profit sharing for coaches as an alternative.
Andy Staples:
“If you paid [the coach] $15 million a year for three years, you’re only guaranteeing him $45 million… They would have taken that!” (36:54)
NFL Roundup & Other Sports Banter
1. NFL MVP Discussion: Running Backs vs. QBs
- Is Jonathan Taylor the NFL MVP?
- Dan points out Taylor’s stellar stats but notes that running backs are rarely rewarded, instead relegated to “Offensive Player of the Year.”
- Discussion about historical MVP voting trends (last RB to win: Adrian Peterson, 2012).
Dan Patrick:
“Jonathan Taylor, to me, is the leading candidate, in my opinion, for MVP. But… it’s like running backs are the best supporting actors. They can’t win best actor; they can win best supporting actor.” (15:48)
2. Cowboys Defensive Woes & Trade Hypothetical
- Suggested Fix:
- Trade for star pass rusher Myles Garrett (Browns), using the Cowboys’ ample draft capital.
- Dan points out that NFL teams must balance fan interest, salary cap, and entertainment value before such a move.
Notable Quotes & Moments
-
On Brian Kelly’s Fit at LSU:
“There’s certain places, especially in the SEC, where you go, ‘That doesn’t fit.’ It doesn’t mean he’s not a good coach... I think there is this: ‘I don’t like Brian Kelly because of his personality.’ … Brian Kelly never fit there.”
— Dan Patrick (09:17) -
On College Coaching Expectations:
“You got three years, it feels like... They may run Dabo Swinney out of Clemson. I didn’t think that would ever happen.”
— Dan Patrick (10:43) -
On Buyouts & Contracts:
“The ADs need to figure out how to guarantee less money than they’re guaranteeing now... Offer them more money than they think they’re going to get, but guarantee it for three years.”
— Andy Staples (35:10) -
On Lane Kiffin’s Leverage:
“The scene in Breaking Bad where Huell just lays on the pile of money, that’s Lane Kiffin right now. Ole Miss wants to keep him. Florida wants him bad. I imagine LSU wants him, too. ...Just keep milking this thing.”
— Andy Staples (29:27)
Important Segments & Timestamps
- LSU Fires Brian Kelly / Buyout Reaction: 05:55–11:58
- Dan and Andy Staples on Coaching Dust-up: 25:27–37:36
- NFL MVP Running Back Debate: 12:59–16:44
- Discussion of Cowboys, trade ideas: 50:11–55:02
Listener Calls: Best & Worst of the Weekend
- Buddha in San Francisco & Others:
- Jokes about uniforms, Dodgers’ victory, and “dumpster fire” of the Brian Kelly era at LSU (37:52–39:29).
- Colorful, humorous banter punctuating the show’s signature style.
Tone & Style
The episode features Dan Patrick’s signature blend of informed, irreverent sports talk with quick wit, expert insight, and a sense of community among the crew and listeners. The conversations are candid, often laced with self-deprecating humor and authenticity.
Summary for New Listeners
If you missed this episode, you’ll come away understanding why Brian Kelly’s tenure at LSU ended so abruptly, how big money is changing the sport, which jobs and coaches are in play in the college ranks, and get a taste of NFL banter on MVPs and team struggles. The Andy Staples interview breaks down the seismic shifts in college football and gives a reality check on coaching expectations and industry trends.
Recommended for those who want to keep up with both the drama and business of sports, accompanied by lively panel commentary.