LSU Athletic Director Scott Woodward Ousted Amid Turmoil Following Brian Kelly Firing

LSU Athletics Leadership Decapitated: Scott Woodward Resigns Under Pressure

In a dramatic shakeup at the highest levels of Louisiana State University (LSU) athletics, Scott Woodward resigned from his position as Athletic Director (AD) on Thursday night, effective immediately. The departure, which occurred under intense pressure from the LSU Board of Supervisors and state political figures, came just four days after Woodward oversaw the controversial firing of high-profile football coach Brian Kelly.

Woodward, who had served as LSU’s AD for six years, was known for his aggressive, high-stakes approach to coaching hires and contract negotiations. His sudden exit signals a profound instability within the LSU athletic department, leaving the university simultaneously searching for a new Athletic Director and a new head football coach—the most critical position in Louisiana sports.

The Catalytic Event: The Brian Kelly Firing

Woodward’s downfall was directly tied to the performance and subsequent termination of football coach Brian Kelly. Kelly, whom Woodward hired in 2021 with a massive 10-year, $95 million contract, failed to meet the lofty expectations set for the program. While the specifics of Kelly’s termination remain complex, the decision to fire him—and the subsequent fallout—placed Woodward squarely in the crosshairs of the LSU Board and powerful state officials.

The timing of Woodward’s resignation is crucial. It followed a period of intense scrutiny and political maneuvering, particularly after the firing of Kelly, which reportedly did not sit well with all influential stakeholders. The pressure culminated just one day after reports surfaced regarding the involvement of Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry in the institutional dynamics surrounding the athletic department.

Woodward’s Legacy: High Stakes and High Rewards

During his six-year tenure, Woodward established a reputation as a “big game hunter,” unafraid to spend vast sums to secure elite coaching talent. His most notable hires included:

• Brian Kelly (Football): Secured from Notre Dame, marking one of the most expensive coaching acquisitions in college football history at the time.
• Kim Mulkey (Women’s Basketball): Hired from Baylor, Mulkey quickly delivered a national championship, validating Woodward’s willingness to pay top dollar for proven success.

Woodward’s strategy was clear: leverage LSU’s resources and passionate fanbase to attract coaches capable of winning national titles immediately. While this approach brought significant success to the women’s basketball program, the failure of the football program under Kelly ultimately overshadowed these achievements and led to questions about the financial sustainability and oversight of his decisions.

“Scott Woodward has served LSU with dedication and passion for six years, securing some of the most transformative coaching hires in our history,” read a statement from the LSU Board of Supervisors, acknowledging his impact while confirming the transition.

Institutional and Political Dynamics

The resignation highlights the unique political environment surrounding LSU athletics, where the football program is often viewed as a matter of state importance. The LSU Board of Supervisors, which has ultimate authority over the university’s operations, played a central role in the decision-making process that led to Woodward’s exit.

Governor Jeff Landry’s involvement, even indirectly, underscores the high-stakes nature of the LSU athletic director role. In Louisiana, the Governor holds significant sway over the Board of Supervisors, and dissatisfaction at the highest political levels often translates into institutional change. Woodward’s resignation, following the costly termination of Kelly, suggests a loss of confidence from the governing bodies responsible for overseeing the university’s financial and operational stability.

The Financial Ramifications

The simultaneous firing of a head football coach and the resignation of the Athletic Director creates immense financial and logistical challenges for LSU. The university must now navigate:

1. Brian Kelly’s Buyout: The financial cost associated with terminating Kelly’s massive contract, which likely involves tens of millions of dollars in buyout obligations.
2. Two National Searches: Launching simultaneous, high-profile searches for both a new Athletic Director and a new Head Football Coach, both of whom will command significant salaries and resources.
3. Recruiting Stability: Maintaining stability and momentum in football recruiting during a critical transition period.

This double vacancy puts LSU in a precarious position, requiring swift and decisive action to restore confidence among donors, fans, and prospective recruits.

What Happens Next: The Search for New Leadership

Following Woodward’s immediate departure, LSU named Verge Ausberry as the interim Athletic Director. Ausberry, a long-time member of the LSU athletic administration, will be tasked with steering the department through this period of uncertainty while the Board initiates a national search for a permanent replacement.

The search for a new Athletic Director will be critical, as the chosen candidate will immediately face the gargantuan task of hiring a new head football coach—a decision that will define their early tenure. The next AD must possess the experience and political acumen to manage the expectations of a demanding fanbase, a powerful board, and influential state politicians, all while ensuring the financial health of a multi-million-dollar athletic program.

Key Takeaways from the LSU Shakeup

• Immediate Departure: Scott Woodward resigned as LSU Athletic Director on Thursday night, just four days after the firing of football coach Brian Kelly.
• Political Pressure: The resignation was driven by pressure from the LSU Board of Supervisors and state political figures, including Governor Jeff Landry.
• Double Vacancy: LSU is now conducting national searches for both a new Athletic Director and a new Head Football Coach.
• Interim Leadership: Verge Ausberry has been appointed as the interim Athletic Director.
• Legacy: Woodward’s tenure was marked by massive, high-risk coaching contracts, including the successful hiring of Kim Mulkey and the costly failure of Brian Kelly.

Conclusion: A Critical Juncture for LSU

Scott Woodward’s exit closes a chapter defined by bold, expensive moves aimed at securing national championships. While his strategy yielded success in basketball, the failure of the football program under Brian Kelly proved too costly, both financially and politically. The simultaneous search for a new AD and a new football coach places LSU at a critical juncture. The decisions made in the coming months will not only determine the trajectory of the football program but will also redefine the leadership structure and financial philosophy of one of the nation’s most prominent collegiate athletic departments. The focus now shifts entirely to the Board of Supervisors to find leaders who can navigate the intense pressures of SEC competition and Louisiana politics.