Louisiana Governor Says LSU Athletic Director Won’t Hire Next Football Coach
Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry announced yesterday that LSU Athletic Director Scott Woodward will not be involved in selecting the university’s next head football coach, a move that throws the search into uncertainty as the program looks to rebound from a disappointing season.
During a press conference addressing state-funded assistance amid a government shutdown, Landry responded to a reporter’s question about the firing of Brian Kelly and the upcoming coaching search. He stated emphatically, “I can tell you right now, Scott Woodward is not selecting the next coach,” adding, “Hell, I’ll let Donald Trump select it before I let him do it.” Landry indicated that LSU’s board of supervisors will form a search committee, a claim that surprised board chair Scott Ballard, who told WBRZ-TV in Baton Rouge, “No, I didn’t know that.” Ballard affirmed the board’s commitment to finding the best coach for LSU, stating, “Next steps are we’re gonna go hire the best coach for Louisiana State University, I promise you. Go Tigers!”
Landry also expressed strong concerns about the potential $53 million buyout owed to Kelly, whose 10-year, $100 million contract signed in 2021 included 90 percent guaranteed compensation. He pointed to Woodward’s previous role at Texas A&M, where a similar fully guaranteed contract given to Jimbo Fisher ultimately cost the university $77 million upon Fisher’s firing. This financial burden comes at a sensitive time for the university, as state funding for higher education faces scrutiny. Landry stated, “We’re not going down a failed path,” and emphasized the need for performance-based metrics in future coaching contracts, saying, “I’m tired of rewarding failure in this country and then leaving the taxpayers to foot the bill.” You can find more information about college football coaching buyouts at USA Today.
The governor’s intervention comes after he publicly questioned LSU’s decision to raise ticket prices following a recent loss to Texas A&M and hosted a meeting at the governor’s mansion to discuss the legal ramifications of Kelly’s contract. LSU is currently operating with an interim president, Matt Lee, following the departure of William Tate IV to Rutgers University. Landry reiterated he will not be picking the next coach, but will ensure a fiscally responsible and successful hire. For more on the situation at LSU, see The Advocate.
Officials stated the board of supervisors will now begin the process of forming a search committee and identifying candidates to lead the LSU football program.
