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Louisiana Governor Bars LSU AD From Leading Football Coach Search

Gov. Jeff Landry shifted control of LSU’s coaching search to the Board of Supervisors, citing fiscal accountability over Brian Kelly’s costly contract.

Overview

  • Landry said athletic director Scott Woodward will not select the next coach and that the Board of Supervisors will appoint a search committee.
  • The governor criticized what he called a pattern of expensive guarantees, referencing Jimbo Fisher’s $77 million Texas A&M buyout and LSU’s liability tied to Kelly.
  • LSU is negotiating Kelly’s buyout, reported at roughly $52–54 million, which could be offset by mitigation if he takes another job and by private donor pledges.
  • Running backs coach Frank Wilson was named interim head coach after Kelly was dismissed following a 49-25 loss to Texas A&M, ending Kelly’s LSU tenure at 34-14.
  • The shift in authority comes as LSU operates without a permanent president and with a Board that includes several Landry appointees, elevating political influence over the hire.