LSU Interim AD Ausberry: Athletic Dept Stable

**LSU Interim AD Verge Ausberry Pushes Back on Disarray Claims Amid Woodward’s Abrupt Exit**

BATON ROUGE, La. – LSU’s newly appointed interim athletic director, Verge Ausberry, moved quickly Wednesday to quell any perception of instability within the department, emphatically stating, “We’re not broken.” His declaration on May 22 followed the abrupt and unexpected departure of his predecessor, Scott Woodward, who left earlier this week for a similar role at rival Southeastern Conference institution Texas A&M.

Ausberry, a former LSU football player and longtime administrator, stepped into the interim leadership position as Woodward’s tenure reportedly concluded around May 20 or 21. Previously serving as LSU’s Senior Associate AD for external relations, Ausberry emphasized the department is “well-positioned” despite the sudden change at the top, highlighting the continuity of key personnel.

“Our team, from our deputy athletic directors to our senior associate ADs and our compliance staff, all remain on board,” Ausberry noted from the Baton Rouge campus. His immediate focus, he said, is on ensuring the maintenance of LSU’s “elite tradition” across its storied sports programs as the university prepares for a national search for a permanent athletic director.

Woodward’s departure sent ripples through the collegiate athletic landscape. Hired by LSU in April 2019, he quickly earned a reputation for making bold, high-profile coaching hires, including football coach Brian Kelly, women’s basketball coach Kim Mulkey, men’s basketball coach Matt McMahon, and baseball coach Jay Johnson. Under his leadership, LSU saw significant athletic success, securing national championships in women’s basketball (2023) and baseball (2023), and an SEC West title in football (2022). He also spearheaded major facility upgrades and navigated the evolving landscape of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) and the transfer portal.

Reports indicate Woodward’s move to Texas A&M comes with a substantial salary increase, potentially making him the highest-paid athletic director in the nation, signaling a highly lucrative offer that likely proved too compelling to refuse. His exit marks the second time Woodward has left LSU for another prominent role, having previously served as an associate athletic director for external affairs from 1993-2000 before taking AD positions at Washington and Texas A&M (his first stint) prior to returning to LSU.

Ausberry, whose career at LSU spans decades, is seen by many as a steady hand during this transition. A member of the Tigers’ 1986 SEC Championship football team, he has held various roles within the athletic department, including associate athletic director for operations and head of external affairs, giving him deep institutional knowledge and strong ties within the university and the state. His experience managing booster relations, marketing, and revenue generation will be crucial in the coming months.

While the university plans to launch a comprehensive national search for Woodward’s permanent successor, Ausberry’s immediate task is to project stability and confidence. LSU’s athletic enterprise is one of the most visible and financially robust in college sports, with a passionate fan base and high expectations for success across its programs. Ausberry’s message on Wednesday was a direct attempt to reassure stakeholders that the foundation built under Woodward remains strong and the department is poised to continue its pursuit of championships.