Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry Declares Scott Woodward Won’t Choose Next LSU Coach
Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry has made a significant announcement regarding the future of LSU football. He stated that Scott Woodward, the athletic director, will not be selecting the next head coach for the Tigers. Instead, the university’s Board of Supervisors will form a committee to search for a replacement for Brian Kelly, who was recently fired.
Key Points from Governor Landry’s Announcement
- Committee Formation: A committee will assist in identifying the new head coach.
- Financial Implications: LSU faces a $53 million buyout after Kelly’s termination.
- Historic Buyouts Discussed: The combined buyouts for Kelly and former Texas A&M coach Jimbo Fisher are nearly $130 million.
Landry emphasized that he prefers not to have Woodward involved in selecting the next coach, even jokingly suggesting that he would rather let former President Donald Trump take the lead on the decision. “Scott Woodward is not selecting the next coach,” Landry declared. “Maybe we’ll let President Trump pick it. He loves winners.”
Concerns Over Coaching Contracts
Governor Landry expressed his concerns regarding the financial structure of coaching contracts. He referenced the substantial buyout given to Jimbo Fisher at Texas A&M, which exceeded $70 million, and voiced a desire to avoid such excessive liabilities in the future.
- $70 million: Fisher’s buyout at Texas A&M.
- $53 million: Kelly’s current buyout at LSU.
Landry reiterated his commitment to ensuring that the next coach’s contract is reasonable and that metrics will be established to evaluate the coach’s performance. “We are not going down a failed path,” he stated, highlighting the need for accountability in coaching decisions.
Current Governance Issues at LSU
Adding to the complexities, LSU currently lacks a university president, complicating decision-making processes. However, Landry assured that a successful coach will be found and appropriately compensated. He emphasized the importance of not rewarding failure with taxpayer money.
In conclusion, the future of LSU football hinges on the careful selection of its next head coach, driven by the newly formed committee and guided by the values articulated by Governor Jeff Landry.
