Landry’s LSU Intervention: Woodward Out, Kelly Stays

**Governor’s Public Criticism Triggers LSU Athletic Director Resignation, Prompts Coach Kelly to Reaffirm Commitment**

BATON ROUGE, La. – A highly unusual public intervention by Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry into the affairs of Louisiana State University’s athletic department has led to the resignation of Athletic Director Scott Woodward and prompted head football coach Brian Kelly to publicly recommit to the Tigers program. The high-stakes drama unfolded over a swift period in late January and early February, sending ripples through the state’s most prominent collegiate institution.

The catalyst for the shake-up came on January 24th, when Governor Landry held a press conference where he openly and sternly criticized the LSU football program. Landry, who took office just days earlier, didn’t mince words, directly calling out both Coach Kelly and Athletic Director Woodward. He demanded a “culture change” at the university, expressing a belief that despite Kelly’s 20-7 record over two seasons – including a 10-3 finish in 2023 – the program was not meeting the state’s expectations for consistently competing for and winning national championships.

Landry specifically highlighted a perceived lack of communication and collaboration from both Kelly and Woodward, signaling a top-down dissatisfaction with the athletic leadership.

The impact of the Governor’s remarks was immediate. Just one day later, on January 25th, Scott Woodward announced his resignation as the Athletic Director, with his departure set for March 8th. Sources close to the university indicated that Woodward had been contemplating a departure even before the Governor’s public pressure. However, Landry’s blunt criticism undeniably accelerated the timeline for Woodward’s exit from the athletic department in Baton Rouge.

Woodward, who arrived at LSU in 2019 after successful stints at Washington and Texas A&M, oversaw a period of significant athletic achievement beyond football, including national championships in baseball (2023), women’s basketball (2023), and track and field. His tenure also saw a brief but triumphant football national championship in 2019 under former coach Ed Orgeron, but the program’s consistency in recent years had been a point of contention for some, including the state’s new chief executive.

Following Woodward’s announcement, attention shifted to Coach Kelly. Throughout late January and early February, reports began circulating that Kelly was actively exploring other coaching opportunities. Talk of potential NFL jobs, notably with the Los Angeles Chargers, and even collegiate programs like Texas A&M (before Mike Elko was hired) gained traction. The implication was clear: the public political interference and increased scrutiny from the Governor had potentially destabilized Kelly’s situation at LSU, making his substantial contract less appealing than new opportunities.

However, the speculation came to an end on February 1st. LSU issued an official statement affirming Kelly’s commitment to the program, and Kelly himself publicly confirmed he was staying put, expressing his dedication to the Tigers. “I am committed to LSU,” Kelly stated, aiming to put an end to the swirling rumors. “I’m not going anywhere.”

While Coach Kelly remains at the helm, the departure of Scott Woodward leaves a significant void. The LSU Board of Supervisors, many of whom are appointed by the Governor, will now undertake a search for a new athletic director to lead one of the nation’s most high-profile and scrutinized collegiate sports programs. Associate Athletic Director and Executive Deputy Athletic Director Verge Ausberry was named interim AD effective March 8th.

Governor Landry’s direct and public intervention into the operational leadership of LSU athletics marks a significant and unusual move for a state executive. The incident highlights the immense pressure and high expectations placed on the football program, which many Louisianans view as a critical symbol of state pride and identity. The coming months will reveal the long-term implications of this political shake-up on LSU’s athletic trajectory, its leadership, and its ability to attract and retain top talent.