LSU has sent former coach Brian Kelly formal written notice that he was fired without cause, according to a letter obtained by The Advocate on Wednesday, and now it plans to pay his full $54 million buyout as long as he tries to land another job.

During a board meeting last Friday, new LSU president Wade Rousse was given authority to send Kelly written notice of termination. It did not specify at the time if that would be with or without cause.

The school told Kelly in the letter that it expects him to “make good-faith, reasonable and sustained efforts” to find a new job in coaching, administration or media. If he does, according to a mitigation clause in his contract, then LSU would have to pay only the difference between his new annual salary and the $9 million he’s owed annually

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