LSU’s athletic department is in chaos after a whirlwind of political maneuvering and high-stakes decisions. Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry’s actions have led to the sudden firing of both LSU Athletic Director Scott Woodward and football coach Brian Kelly.
Now, the university’s sports program feels more precarious than ever. The drama here really highlights just how tangled Louisiana politics and LSU athletics have become over the years.
The Fall of Scott Woodward
Scott Woodward, long known for his political skills, found himself out of a job as LSU’s Athletic Director. His knack for navigating the political landscape didn’t save him this time.
Governor Jeff Landry publicly denounced Woodward, making it clear where he stood. Landry even said he’d rather let Donald Trump pick the next LSU football coach than trust Woodward again.
Unilateral Decisions and Political Fallout
The tipping point was Woodward’s decision to fire football coach Brian Kelly. That move alone cost LSU a jaw-dropping $54 million.
He made the call without consulting Governor Landry or the Board of Supervisors, which sparked outrage. In less than a week, LSU shelled out nearly $60 million to cut ties with both its AD and football coach—a financial hit that’s got people talking across college sports.
Woodward’s Political Maneuvering
Woodward’s rise at LSU was all about political savvy. Back in 2019, he landed the AD job thanks to backroom deals and connections, skipping the usual hiring process.
He kept operating behind the scenes to hold onto his influence. But firing Kelly without broader consultation? That was a rare miscalculation, and it cost him everything.
The Legacy of Political Influence at LSU
Louisiana governors meddling in LSU athletics isn’t new. This goes all the way back to Huey Long, who never even attended LSU but was deeply involved in its sports programs.
Long set a precedent for future governors to shape LSU athletics. His influence is still felt in the way politics and sports mix here.
Governor Bobby Jindal and Les Miles
Take Governor Bobby Jindal, for example. He was a huge supporter of former LSU coach Les Miles and stepped in to keep Miles from leaving for Michigan.
Some university officials found this frustrating. But it just proved how much sway governors can have over LSU athletics.
Governor John Bel Edwards and Ed Orgeron
Jindal’s successor, Governor John Bel Edwards, also got close to LSU football. Edwards had strong ties to coach Ed Orgeron, who even endorsed him during the 2019 campaign.
These relationships often come with perks for board members—think football tickets and premium parking. No wonder those spots are so coveted.
Jeff Landry’s Bold Moves
Governor Jeff Landry has taken political involvement to a whole new level. His public denouncement of Woodward and his role in firing Brian Kelly have left LSU without a permanent football coach, athletic director, or even a university president.
That vacuum gives Landry a lot of power over what happens next. It’s hard to ignore just how much influence he’s wielding right now.
Influence Over the Board of Supervisors
Landry’s reach is especially clear in his appointments to the LSU Board of Supervisors. He’s already got six appointees on the board, with four more coming next year.
That kind of control lets him steer big decisions, like picking the next university president and athletic director. It’s a lot of power for one person to hold.
Potential Presidential Candidate Wade Rousse
Wade Rousse, the current McNeese State president, is rumored to be Landry’s top pick for LSU’s presidency. Whoever gets that job will have a huge say in hiring the next athletic director and football coach.
The stakes here are high, and the next moves could reshape LSU athletics for years.
The Broader Implications
Landry’s deep involvement has sparked real concern among people in the industry. There’s a lot of uncertainty about the football program’s future, and honestly, nobody seems to have a clear plan.
It’s a stark reminder of what can happen when politics gets too tangled up in college sports.
National Ramifications
What’s happening at LSU might serve as a warning for other universities. Governors getting involved in university affairs isn’t rare, but if it’s not handled carefully, it can cause real upheaval.
LSU’s current mess shows just how tricky it is to balance political influence with the autonomy that university sports programs really need.
Future of LSU Athletics
LSU’s athletics program is in a weird spot right now. No one really knows what the future holds.
The university’s next moves—picking a new president and athletic director—are going to matter a lot. There’s a sense that these decisions could send LSU sports in a whole new direction.
Governor Landry and his chosen team are expected to keep shaping what comes next. Their influence isn’t going anywhere soon, for better or worse.
If you want to dig deeper or just need the latest updates, check out the full article on CBS Sports here.
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