Louisiana Governor Limits LSU Coach Search Role Amid $54M Buyout Concerns

Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry has asserted that LSU Athletic Director Scott Woodward will not be responsible for selecting the university's next football coach following the firing of Brian Kelly. Landry criticized Woodward's history of authorizing large coaching contracts with substantial buyouts, referencing costly deals like Jimbo Fisher's contract at Texas A&M and Kelly's $54 million buyout at LSU. He emphasized that the LSU Board of Supervisors will form a committee to oversee the coaching search, aiming to avoid repeating financial liabilities. Landry also expressed concern about the influence of sports agents in college football, highlighting conflicts of interest where multiple key figures share the same representation. Despite his involvement in the decision to fire Kelly, Landry clarified that he will not personally choose the new coach but is focused on protecting taxpayer money and the university's interests. His actions echo historical precedents of gubernatorial involvement in LSU football decisions.