Louisiana governor asserts control over LSU’s football coach search following Brian Kelly’s dismissal

Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry declared Wednesday that LSU athletic director Scott Woodward would be stripped of his authority in the school’s search for its next head football coach.

LSU is pursuing a new football coach after deciding this week to part ways with Brian Kelly. Woodward announced Kelly’s departure on Sunday, one day after the Tigers’ 49-25 loss to Texas A&M. 

Kelly left Notre Dame after the 2021 season and ultimately spent fewer than four full seasons in Baton Rouge.

“We had high hopes that he would lead us to multiple SEC and national championships during his time in Baton Rouge,” Woodward said in the announcement. “Ultimately, the success at the level that LSU demands simply did not materialize, and I made the decision to make a change after last night’s game.”

LSU continues to finalize Kelly’s $54 million buyout, a figure that Landry has criticized.

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“We are not going down a failed path,” Landry said Wednesday during a news conference. “The guy that’s here now that wrote that contract cost Texas A&M $77 million. Right now, we’ve got a $53 million liability. We are not doing that again.”

The $77 million figure Landry mentioned was a reference to former Texas A&M coach Jimbo Fisher, whom Woodward hired and whose contract negotiations he oversaw. According to multiple reports, private donors could be tapped to cover some of the costs of Kelly’s buyout, which could be further offset if Kelly lands another coaching job. 

Woodward has served as LSU’s athletic director since 2019. The school paid Ed Orgeron a buyout of more than $17 million following his dismissal in 2021.

LSU football head coach Brian Kelly, right, talks with LSU athletics director Scott Woodward before the game at Williams-Brice Stadium, in Columbia, S.C. (LSU Athletics/University Images via Getty Images)

“No. I can tell you right now, Scott Woodward is not selecting the next coach,” Landry said. “I’ll let [President] Donald Trump select him before I let him do it.”

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The Republican governor added: “The Board of Supervisors are going to come up with a committee, and they’re going to find us a coach.” Members of the board or appointed by the governor.

Fox News Digital contacted the LSU athletic department for comment, but did not receive an immediate response.

LSU head coach Brian Kelly stands on the sideline during a game against Vanderbilt, Oct. 18, in Nashville. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)

Landry made it clear that the Tigers’ next coach would be “compensated properly.” He did, however, call for placing “metrics” on the deal.

“I’m tired of rewarding failure in this country,” the governor said.

Landry also confirmed that he participated in talks about a coaching change leading up to Kelly’s removal.

“My role is about the fiscal effect of firing a coach under a terrible contract,” he said Wednesday. “All I care about is what the taxpayers are going to be on the hook for.”

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Despite LSU’s efforts to boost funding to pay transfer portal players, Kelly largely failed to meet expectations of competing for a national championship.

LSU is currently on a bye week; Alabama hosts the Tigers on Nov. 8.

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