### LSU's Athletic Director Scott Woodward Ousted Amidst Coaching Turmoil In a dramatic turn of events for Louisiana State University (LSU), athletic director Scott Woodward has resigned following the recent firing of football coach Brian Kelly. This decision comes just days after Governor Jeff Landry publicly criticized Woodward's handling of the football program and stated that he would not allow Woodward to participate in the search for Kelly's replacement. Woodward, who has been in his position since April 2019, oversaw significant successes, including multiple national championships, but faced backlash over costly coaching contracts, particularly Kelly's $53 million buyout after a disappointing season [https://apnews.com/article/lsu-scott-woodward-resigns-jeff-landry-brian-kelly-081f93b17482cb1ee1d0fea93d88d251]. ### Breakdown of Recent Events Leading to Woodward's Departure 1. **Firing of Brian Kelly**: Kelly was dismissed after a lackluster performance, with a record of 5-3 in the current season, and a significant loss to Texas A&M [https://www.outkick.com/sports/lsu-scott-woodward-exit-brian-kelly-firing-jeff-landry]. 2. **Governor's Intervention**: Governor Jeff Landry criticized Woodward's management, particularly regarding the financial implications of Kelly's contract, and stated that Woodward would not be involved in hiring the next coach [https://www.hindustantimes.com/sports/us-sports/jeff-landry-vs-scott-woodward-brian-kelly-s-lsu-firing-triggers-row-i-ll-let-trump-101761771177041.html]. 3. **Mutual Agreement to Part Ways**: Following the governor's comments, Woodward and LSU mutually agreed to part ways, with the university announcing his resignation on October 31, 2025 [https://www.sportingnews.com/ca/ncaa-football/lsu/news/lsu-and-athletic-director-scott-woodward-part-ways-report/8c0b51e878d5fdeb4d6fd224]. 4. **Interim Leadership**: Verge Ausberry, a longtime athletic administrator, has been appointed as the interim athletic director as LSU begins its search for a new head coach and permanent athletic director [https://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/news/3382956/lsu-parts-ways-with-ad-woodward]. ### Supporting Evidence and Data - **Coaching Contracts**: Woodward's tenure included high-profile hires, but also significant financial liabilities, including a $53 million buyout for Kelly, which has drawn criticism from state officials [https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/ncaaf/sec/2025/10/30/lsu-scott-woodward-leave-criticism-jeff-landry-louisiana-governor-brian-kelly/86996255007]. - **Performance Metrics**: Under Woodward, LSU achieved national championships in various sports, but the football program's recent performance has overshadowed these successes [https://www.newsday.com/sports/college/college-football/lsu-scott-woodward-resigns-jeff-landry-brian-kelly-f61141]. ### Conclusion: A Shift in LSU's Athletic Leadership The resignation of Scott Woodward marks a significant shift in LSU's athletic leadership, driven by recent coaching controversies and financial mismanagement concerns. 1. **Immediate Impact**: Woodward's exit follows the firing of Brian Kelly, indicating a broader reevaluation of the football program's direction. 2. **Governor's Role**: Governor Landry's involvement highlights the intersection of politics and college athletics, particularly regarding financial accountability and contract negotiations. 3. **Future Outlook**: With Verge Ausberry stepping in as interim AD, LSU faces a critical period of transition as it seeks to stabilize its football program and restore its competitive edge [https://www.timesnownews.com/sports/who-will-pick-next-lsu-tigers-coach-louisiana-gov-jeff-landry-says-it-definitely-wont-be-scott-woodward-article-153072858]. In summary, LSU's athletic department is at a crossroads, with the need for strategic leadership and a clear vision for the future of its football program.