Landry Sidelines LSU AD in Coaching Search

LSU fired head coach Brian Kelly after a 49-25 loss and named Frank Wilson interim coach for the rest of the season. Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry has asserted Athletic Director Scott Woodward will not pick the next coach and said the Board of Supervisors will form a committee to lead the search. Reporting indicates deputy AD Verge Ausberry will have a prominent role while Woodward’s standing has declined pending the hiring of a new university president. Critics and Landry have cited costly contract decisions — Kelly’s buyout is roughly $53 million and Woodward’s prior pursuit of Jimbo Fisher drew scrutiny — and Landry says LSU will avoid repeating that “failed path.” Media, former players and analysts have speculated about a national slate of candidates including Dan Lanning, Lane Kiffin, Ed Orgeron and long-shot names such as Nick Saban, and the search is expected to be highly visible and politically influenced.