In a stunning turn of events, LSU football coach Brian Kelly was fired on Sunday, prompting Athletic Director Scott Woodward to initiate the search for a new head coach. However, this process quickly became complicated when Governor Jeff Landry made a surprise announcement during a news conference. He criticized Woodward's 2021 hiring of Kelly, describing it as a "terrible contract" that left the university liable for nearly $54 million over the remaining years of Kelly's agreement.
During his remarks, Governor Landry declared, “I can tell you right now, Scott Woodward is not selecting the next coach. Hell, I’ll let Donald Trump select it before I let him do it.” This intervention raised eyebrows and sparked a significant debate about the role of politics in college athletics. Following Landry's comments, Scott Ballard, the chair of the LSU Board of Supervisors appointed by Landry, expressed his surprise, stating, “Well then, I better get to it!” as he left an interview.
Governor Landry continued his critique of Woodward during interviews on two sports shows, despite backlash from various commentators who accused him of overstepping his boundaries in the athletic department's affairs. Shortly after these remarks, LSU announced Woodward's immediate resignation, indicating the depth of the turmoil within the university's leadership.
Landry's intervention comes at a time of significant leadership challenges at LSU, as the university is also searching for a new president following the resignation of William Tate, who has taken a position at Rutgers University. Political insiders suggest that Landry favors Wade Rousse, the president of McNeese State, for the LSU position. However, Landry's office did not respond to inquiries about the ongoing presidential search.
Landry's involvement in LSU has attracted both support and criticism. Many believe his actions have harmed the university's reputation, particularly given LSU's track record of six national championships in the past six years under Woodward. Notably, political pundit James Carville remarked, “Jeff Landry has damaged the university’s reputation,” arguing that his actions have devalued the education provided by LSU.
On the other hand, supporters like Shane Guidry, a business owner and adviser to Landry, defend the governor's decisions. Guidry stated, “Sometimes in business you have to make changes. You can’t keep rewarding bad behavior or bad business decisions. It can’t be business as usual.” He emphasized that Landry aims to ensure the right leadership for both the football program and the athletic department.
Landry's assertive approach as governor has drawn comparisons to former leaders, including President Donald Trump and the late Governor Huey Long. His tenure has been marked by significant actions aimed at consolidating power, such as appointing chairs to various state boards and pushing for controversial legislation.
As LSU navigates this turbulent period, the search committee for the university's new president, chaired by Ballard, is expected to announce its decision soon. The committee has narrowed down candidates, with James Dalton, the executive vice president and provost at the University of Alabama, being a notable finalist.
Despite Landry's aggressive policies, recent polling data indicates he faces challenges in public perception. A survey found that only 39% of likely voters view him favorably, contrasting with 51% who hold an unfavorable view. This data suggests that while Landry may enjoy support among certain groups, he also faces significant opposition from the broader electorate.
With tensions running high and significant changes on the horizon for LSU, the future of the football program and the athletic department hangs in the balance. Governor Landry's unprecedented involvement in these decisions reflects broader trends in college athletics, where political influence is increasingly shaping the landscape. As LSU prepares for its next chapter, the community will be watching closely to see how these developments unfold.
