Governor Jeff Landry Intervenes in LSU Coach Search, Citing Over $130 Million in Coach Buyouts

Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry has publicly asserted control over the ongoing search for Louisiana State University's (LSU) next head football coach, declaring that Athletic Director Scott Woodward will not be involved in the decision-making process. This unprecedented intervention follows the recent firing of head coach Brian Kelly and has ignited a debate over political influence in university athletics, set against a backdrop of concerns about the state's economic health.

Speaking publicly, Governor Landry stated, "I can tell you right now that Scott Woodward is not selecting the next coach. Hell, I'll let Donald Trump select him before I let (Woodward) do it." Landry criticized Woodward's past hires, specifically citing the substantial buyouts of former coaches Jimbo Fisher at Texas A&M and Brian Kelly at LSU, which cumulatively amount to over $130 million. The Governor emphasized a desire to avoid "rewarding failure" and to protect taxpayer money, despite athletic department funds typically covering such contractual obligations.

The Governor's actions have drawn sharp criticism from political commentators, including Tim Miller, who, in a recent video, characterized Landry's focus as misplaced. Miller criticized Landry for "screwing up the LSU coach search" and allegedly considering "building a statue to Charlie Kirk while the state economy tanks." This perspective suggests Landry is prioritizing politically charged gestures over pressing state issues.

Miller's video further highlighted Louisiana's struggles, citing its 50th ranking in categories such as crime, economy, and overall state performance, alongside low rankings in education, healthcare, and infrastructure. He argued that a governor overseeing such challenges should be "spending all of your time dialing in on how to make life in the state better for people." Instead, Miller contends, Landry is creating "distractions" with issues like the coaching search and symbolic political acts.

The Governor's direct involvement has created an uncertain environment for LSU's athletic leadership and future coaching candidates. The LSU Board of Supervisors, whose members are appointed by the Governor, is now expected to form a committee to lead the search. This situation raises questions about the independence of the athletic department and the appeal of the coaching position under such intense political scrutiny, potentially complicating efforts to attract top-tier talent.