"I didn’t leave the team, bro”: Ex-LSU DT Sydir Mitchell claims Brian Kelly forced him out in surprising TikTok video

The LSU Tigers fired Brian Kelly from his coaching role last week, but he remains in the spotlight. On Thursday, former LSU defensive tackle Sydir Mitchell said the decision to leave the team was not his own; rather, he was forced out by Kelly.

“I’m going to be real, I didn’t leave the team, bro,” Mitchell said via a TikTok Live. ” … People come to disagreements, but it wasn’t no hard feelings. … It was his decision.

"It wasn’t nobody else’s decision. It was BK’s. He felt like the decision wasn’t fair for the team, even though it had nothing to do with the team. That’s how he felt.”

Mitchell also said he plans to enter the transfer portal to potentially return to playing football.

“I’m finna get in that portal,” Mitchell said. “I just got to finish up school. I’m just staying low key, finishing school, bro.”

Mitchell transferred to LSU ahead of the 2025 season. He began his collegiate career with the Texas Longhorns in 2023, playing in nine games, recording seven tackles plus 0.5 tackles for a loss across two seasons.

Mitchell did not play a snap for the Tigers this season; however, after two games, Kelly confirmed the DL was no longer with LSU, citing failure to meet “workplace standards."

LSU could avoid paying Brian Kelly his full $54 million buyout

Former LSU Tigers HC Brian Kelly - Source: Getty

According to reports, LSU owes Brian Kelly $54 million as part of his buyout. However, the school has filed legal paperwork alleging that Kelly was removed “for cause,” which it claims would avoid paying out the second-largest buyout in college sports history.

Kelly compiled a 34-14 record in under four years at LSU. He helped the Tigers win the SEC West division title in 2022.