Ausberry Given Full Authority to Hire LSU Coach

On Oct. 30–31 LSU announced Executive Deputy Athletic Director Verge Ausberry as interim athletic director and granted him immediate, full authority to lead the search and hire a new head football coach following the firing of Brian Kelly and the departure of athletic director Scott Woodward. Ausberry, a former LSU linebacker with more than 30 years at the school, said a search committee including Board of Supervisors members and donors has been formed and vowed to “hire the best football coach there is” and return LSU to annual College Football Playoff contention. Kelly was dismissed after a 49–25 loss to Texas A&M, and his exit triggered an estimated $53–$54 million buyout that drew criticism from Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry. LSU officials said those controversies and political scrutiny are not expected to deter interest from top candidates, and the Board of Supervisors will remain involved in oversight even as Ausberry leads the hiring.