On Thursday night, Scott Woodward, the athletic director of Louisiana State University (LSU), resigned from his position after facing intense pressure, just four days following the dismissal of football coach Brian Kelly. This unexpected move came a day after Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry publicly stated that Woodward would not be involved in hiring Kelly's replacement. A Baton Rouge native and an LSU graduate, Woodward was appointed as athletic director in April 2019, and during his tenure, LSU achieved significant success, including national championships in football, baseball (twice), women’s basketball, and gymnastics.
“We thank Scott for the last six years of service as athletic director,” said Scott Ballard, chairman of the LSU Board of Supervisors. “He had a lot of success at LSU.” The focus now shifts to advancing the athletic department and positioning LSU to reach its full potential. Among the notable hires made by Woodward was Kim Mulkey, who led the women’s basketball team to its first national title in 2023. Following the news of Woodward's resignation, Mulkey's team played an exhibition game, but Mulkey opted out of the postgame news conference, sending assistant Bob Starkey in her place. Starkey conveyed Mulkey’s feelings, stating, “She’s heartbroken” about the recent developments.
Verge Ausberry, LSU’s executive deputy athletic director, has been appointed to serve as Woodward’s interim replacement and will spearhead the search for a new football coach. In an open letter addressed to LSU fans, Woodward expressed his deep affection for the university, stating, “Our University will always hold a special place in my heart and I will never be too far from LSU.” He refrained from commenting on his tenure, choosing instead to focus on the joy that LSU Athletics brings to the Baton Rouge community.
Woodward’s tenure and sudden resignation have not gone unnoticed in the political arena. James Carville, a prominent LSU alumnus and political commentator, expressed his discontent regarding the circumstances of Woodward’s departure. In a conversation with The Associated Press, Carville criticized both Governor Landry and the LSU Board for damaging the university's reputation, labeling their actions as weak and misguided. He stated, “This is not about my politics. It’s about my university.”
According to Woodward’s contract, he is entitled to over $5 million through 2029, although LSU has yet to disclose the financial terms of his separation agreement. During a news conference, Governor Landry addressed the coaching situation and asserted that Woodward would not be involved in selecting the next coach. Under Woodward’s leadership, LSU’s football program incurred substantial buyout costs, including the $53 million buyout for Kelly, which ranks among the largest in college sports history.
The recent changes in LSU athletics come on the heels of Kelly’s firing, which occurred after the Tigers suffered a disappointing home loss to Texas A&M, marking their third defeat in four games. During his time at LSU, Kelly posted a record of 34-14 but never reached the College Football Playoff, which will expand to 12 teams in 2024. Currently, LSU is also without a president, following the departure of William F. Tate IV to become president of Rutgers in July. The LSU Board of Supervisors, appointed by the governor, is tasked with selecting the next president, with an announcement expected soon.
As LSU navigates these turbulent times, the focus remains on maintaining the integrity and success of its athletic programs while seeking new leadership to guide the future of the university's sports teams.
