Gov. Jeff Landry goes scorched Earth with comments on LSU AD, Brian Kelly and key stakeholders surrounding Tigers
Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry didn’t mince words Wednesday as he launched a blistering critique of LSU Athletic Director Scott Woodward’s handling of high-profile coaching contracts — and made it clear he intends to play a decisive role in the university’s next football hire. In a press conference originally scheduled to address state government matters, Landry […]
Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry didn’t mince words Wednesday as he launched a blistering critique of LSU Athletic Director Scott Woodward’s handling of high-profile coaching contracts — and made it clear he intends to play a decisive role in the university’s next football hire.
In a press conference originally scheduled to address state government matters, Landry veered into sports with a scorched-earth declaration: Woodward will not be choosing LSU’s next head coach.
“Hell, I’ll let Donald Trump select him before I let him do it,” Landry said, unleashing a stunning rebuke of the AD who fired coach Brian Kelly just days earlier.
Louisiana Gov. criticizes LSU AD, Brian Kelly after firing
Woodward has remained silent on Landry’s comments, but the governor confirmed he was directly involved in the Sunday discussions that led to Kelly’s dismissal. Kelly, hired in 2021 on a 10-year, $100 million guaranteed contract, leaves LSU with a buyout exceeding $52 million — a figure that could be reduced depending on future employment.
“I hosted a meeting at the governor’s mansion to talk about the legalities, to talk about the cost, to talk about who pays for it,” Landry said. “It was a meeting to discuss the legalities of the contract.”
“My role is about the fiscal effect of firing a coach under a terrible contract,” he added. “All I care about is what the taxpayers are going to be on the hook for.”
While LSU’s athletic department is traditionally self-funded and supported by private donors — some of whom have pledged to cover Kelly’s buyout — Landry made it clear he’s not willing to let history repeat itself.
“If big billionaires want to spend all that kind of money, no problem,” Landry said. “But if I’ve got to go find $53 million … it’s not going to be a pleasant conversation.”
Kelly’s tenure ended after a 34-14 record and a blowout loss to Texas A&M. Running backs coach Frank Wilson has been named interim head coach.
This isn’t the first time LSU has paid a hefty price to part ways with a coach under Woodward’s leadership. In 2021, the school bought out Ed Orgeron for $17 million. Landry pointed to Woodward’s history at Texas A&M, where Jimbo Fisher’s contract ballooned under Woodward’s watch — even though Woodward had already left for LSU when the extension was signed.
“This is a pattern,” Landry said, accusing Woodward of having “cost Texas A&M $77 million.”
“Right now, we’ve got a $53 million liability,” he continued. “We are not doing that again.”
To prevent another costly misstep, Landry announced that LSU’s Board of Supervisors — whose members are appointed by the governor — will form a search committee to oversee the hiring process.
“I’m not going to be picking the next coach, but I can promise you we’re going to pick a coach and we’re going to make sure that that coach is successful,” Landry said. “We’re going to make sure that he’s compensated properly.”
He emphasized that the next contract will be incentive-heavy and light on guarantees: “Because I’m tired of rewarding failure in this country and then leaving the taxpayers … to foot the bill.”
Since taking office in January 2024, Landry has appointed nine of the 18 Board members and will have the opportunity to appoint four more in 2026 — giving him significant influence over LSU’s leadership.
Landry also took aim at the agents behind these massive contracts, calling out Trace Armstrong (Kelly’s agent) and Jimmy Sexton (Fisher’s agent).
“This is ridiculous. Lawyers would be disbarred for the way these agents act,” Landry said. “It’s really time for the NCAA to put on some guardrails on college sports.”
