"Mediocrity will not be tolerated": Cam Newton issues stern warning for Brian Kelly's successor as LSU hunts for new head coach

The LSU Tigers fired Brian Kelly from his coaching position on Sunday. The Tigers made the decision a day after their 49-25 blowout loss to No.3 Texas A&M.

Since LSU has yet to announce its new permanent head coach, former NFL quarterback Cam Newton has issued a warning to the program.

“This is not necessarily a message or a discussion point about Brian Kelly, more so than it is a warning for the next person that takes this job," Newton said on "First Take" on Monday. " You must understand, when you go to the top tier, or a tier one team in the SEC? And, I’m not talking about a tier one team by merely talent, skillset, or anything like that. I’m talking about tier one as far as budget allocations. When you talk about an LSU, when you talk about a University of Florida, when you’re talking about an Alabama, when you’re talking about a UGA?

"Those tier-one budgeted schools in the SEC, and there are more? Mediocrity, or mediocre coaching, will not be tolerated. You must understand that. So, anybody who wants to insert their resumé for a potential job interview, you must understand, if you don’t have intentions to win, and I mean win yesterday, do not take that job.”

Kelly had a 34-14 record in just under four years at LSU. He won the Southeastern Conference West Division title in the 2022 season.

There were high expectations for LSU this season. However, after a 5-3 record, the Tigers decided to part ways with Kelly.

A look at Brian Kelly's buyout after LSU fires its coach

NCAA Football: Former LSU HC Brian Kelly - Source: Imagn

According to reports, LSU will owe Brian Kelly $54 million as part of his buyout. Kelly still had over six years on his deal with the Tigers when he was fired.

LSU announced that Frank Wilson, the team's associate head coach and running backs coach, will take over as the team's interim head coach following Kelly's firing.