LSU's Athletics Director Won't Pick Next Football Coach Amid $95m Fiasco, Governor Insists
Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry has announced that LSU athletics director Scott Woodward will not be responsible for selecting the university's next football coach, citing a "pattern" of reckless contracts that have cost taxpayers tens of millions of dollars. The decision comes after the firing of head coach Brian Kelly, who was let go just four years into his 10-year, $95 million contract.
Landry's comments follow a similar deal Woodward made while running Texas A&M's program, where coach Jimbo Fisher was fired in 2023 with a $77 million buyout – then the largest in college sports history. The governor stated that LSU now has a $53 million liability and is not willing to do business like that again.
Kelly, who compiled a 34-14 record at LSU but faltered when it mattered most, was fired after a home loss to Texas A&M that dropped his team to 5-3. His four-year record stands in stark contrast to his predecessors, Nick Saban, Les Miles, and Ed Orgeron, all of whom won national championships within their first four seasons.
The governor stressed that he has nothing personal against Kelly but believes the school needs a change. "I think the spirit of the team needed a change," Landry said. "But we're going to make sure the next contract makes sense. We're done writing blank checks."
Landry's comments come amid a tumultuous season for major college programs, with at least half a dozen universities having already parted ways with their head coaches before November. LSU has appointed associate head coach Frank Wilson as interim head coach while a selection committee begins its search for a permanent replacement.
Woodward defended the move in a statement, saying the school will "continue to negotiate [Kelly's] separation and work toward a path that is better for both parties." The governor, however, emphasized accountability must be written into any future deal.
Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry has announced that LSU athletics director Scott Woodward will not be responsible for selecting the university's next football coach, citing a "pattern" of reckless contracts that have cost taxpayers tens of millions of dollars. The decision comes after the firing of head coach Brian Kelly, who was let go just four years into his 10-year, $95 million contract.
Landry's comments follow a similar deal Woodward made while running Texas A&M's program, where coach Jimbo Fisher was fired in 2023 with a $77 million buyout – then the largest in college sports history. The governor stated that LSU now has a $53 million liability and is not willing to do business like that again.
Kelly, who compiled a 34-14 record at LSU but faltered when it mattered most, was fired after a home loss to Texas A&M that dropped his team to 5-3. His four-year record stands in stark contrast to his predecessors, Nick Saban, Les Miles, and Ed Orgeron, all of whom won national championships within their first four seasons.
The governor stressed that he has nothing personal against Kelly but believes the school needs a change. "I think the spirit of the team needed a change," Landry said. "But we're going to make sure the next contract makes sense. We're done writing blank checks."
Landry's comments come amid a tumultuous season for major college programs, with at least half a dozen universities having already parted ways with their head coaches before November. LSU has appointed associate head coach Frank Wilson as interim head coach while a selection committee begins its search for a permanent replacement.
Woodward defended the move in a statement, saying the school will "continue to negotiate [Kelly's] separation and work toward a path that is better for both parties." The governor, however, emphasized accountability must be written into any future deal.
! It's like they're playing a game of "who can sign the most expensive coach" instead of focusing on winning and developing players. $95 million for just four years is insane 
. The fact that LSU is now dealing with a $53 million liability because of Scott Woodward's previous deal is just ridiculous 
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I'm all about fairness in sports contracts, you know? When I see these massive payouts like the one Brian Kelly got 
. I mean, don't get me wrong, talent and hard work are important, but there's a difference between being a great coach and just having a good run 
. It's like when my kid doesn't do well on their math test - it's not the end of the world, but still gotta learn from it.
. It's time for them to think about what's best for the team and the fans, not just what's good for the coach or the school's bottom line 
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The governor's right to be cautious, I feel him 
But still hope they find someone who can bring home some wins and a championship 
like seriously $95m? who gets paid that much in real life? and now there's a $53m liability left over from kellys contract... sounds like the school is just throwing money around without thinking about the consequences. dont get me wrong, kelly wasnt that great as a coach but still, you gotta give him some credit for compiling that 34-14 record 
its about time someone said somethin. i feel like LSU is just tryna be like all the other big school programs, you know? gettin coaches with loads of experience and payin them a ton but at the end of the day, it dont matter if they actually win or not. 
