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ESPN's Michael Wilbon Celebrates College Football Coach Firing

Originally posted on The Spun | By Chris Rosvoglou | Last updated Oct 28, 2025 4:36 PM ET

ESPN personality Michael Wilbon couldn't contain his excitement when talking about former LSU head coach Brian Kelly on Monday.

LSU parted ways with Kelly on Sunday night. This decision was made following a 49-25 loss to Texas A&M at home. It was a disappointing performance for a team coming off a 31-24 loss to Vanderbilt. With that said, Kelly is owed more than $54 million. Although that's a tough pill to swallow, the boosters in Baton Rouge are willing to pay his buyout just to get rid of him.

"We had high hopes that he would lead us to multiple SEC and national championships during his time in Baton Rouge. Ultimately, the success at the level that LSU demands simply did not materialize, and I made the decision to make a change after last night's game," LSU athletic director Scott Woodward said. "I am grateful for the ongoing consultations and support of the LSU board of supervisors and Interim President Matt Lee in this decision. We wish Coach Kelly and his family the very best in their future endeavors. We will continue to negotiate his separation and will work toward a path that is better for both parties."

Oct 11, 2025; Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA; LSU Tigers head coach Brian Kelly looks on against the South Carolina Gamecocks during the first half at Tiger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images

Wilbon celebrates Kelly's exit.

During Monday's episode of "Pardon the Interruption," Wilbon said he smiled when he learned about Kelly's departure.

Wilbon referred to Kelly as an "arrogant" coach who left Notre Dame behind.

"Part of this makes me smile a little bit. Because he was so arrogant about it, about the transition. ‘I’m gonna leave Notre Dame and go some place I can win a national championship.’ Do you think the rest of us are fools? And he sort of got what was coming," Wilbon said, via On3.

Michael Wilbon, with what little is left of his voice on PTI, about LSU firing Brian Kelly: "Part of this makes me smile a little bit, because he was so arrogant about it, about the transition (from Notre Dame)... Do you think the rest of us are fools?" #CFB pic.twitter.com/OqUHO9VNhk
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) October 28, 2025

Kelly has been coaching college football since 1983. He's had success at Grand Valley State, Central Michigan, Cincinnati, Notre Dame, and even LSU to some degree.

If Kelly wants to coach again, he'll most likely find a landing spot.

As for LSU, it sounds like the program will consider Ole Miss coach Lane Kiffin and Tulane's Jon Sumrall among other candidates.

This article first appeared on The Spun and was syndicated with permission.

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