LSU is not broken Latest on crisis in the Bayou, who is handling coaching search – LSU announced Thursday, Oct. 30, that interim athletic director Verge Ausberry will manage the Tigers’ coaching search, completing out a swiftly escalating chain of events for the university in the aftermath of Brian Kelly’s unexpected firing Oct. 26.
LSU commented on its recent changes in a press conference on Oct. 31 after revealing Scott Woodward will no longer serve as athletic director late Oct. 30. The moves come on the heels of Kelly being sacked as head football coach after LSU’s 5-3 start this season and a 49-25 home loss to Texas A&M on Oct. 25.
Ausberry, a former athlete and the former executive deputy director of athletics, was joined alongside LSU Board of Supervisors chair Scott Ballard and member John Carmouche. The parties at the podium didn’t clarify why both sides reached to the “mutual agreement” on Woodward’s exit, however. LSU is not broken Latest on crisis in the Bayou
“I’m going to hire the best football coach there is,” Ausberry stated. “That’s our jobs. We’re going to go out there (and) we’re not going to let this program fail. LSU has to be in the playoffs every year in football.”
Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry has been involved in the situation in recent days, as LSU still lacks a university president, whom will be named on Nov. 4. He has publicly criticized Woodward, stating he wouldn’t be directing the coaching search in an LSU press conference on Oct. 29 and on the “Pat McAfee Show.” Landry also said: “There’s a number of bad contracts that seem to have followed Scott Woodward.”
Carmouche stated Oct. 31 that Landry wasn’t involved in the decision to move on from Woodward, and that Landry’s concern is with the state. He noted the state and state taxpayers have never and would never pay a coach’s buyout, notwithstanding Landry’s statements. Kelly is due just over $54 million after being sacked.
“His concern had to do with the state contract,” Carmouche stated. “LSU board of supervisors and Mr. Woodward decided jointly to part ways.” Ausberry was certain after being announced as interim athletic director that the department is in a solid position. LSU is not broken Latest on crisis in the Bayou
“I want our fanbase to know one thing,” Ausberry added, “LSU is not broken. LSU athletic department is not broken.” Woodward was instrumental for recruiting Brian Kelly away from Notre Dame, but he also hired women’s basketball coach Kim Mulkey and baseball coach Jay Johnson — who both had won recent national championships — from other high-end institutions. LSU is not broken Latest on crisis in the Bayou
Mulkey declined to talk to media after LSU’s exhibition win on Oct. 30. Assistant Bob Starkey, who appeared in her place, claimed Mulkey was “heartbroken” of Woodward’s resignation. LSU football is off in Week 10, and interim coach Frank Wilson will head the club for the balance of the season. The Tigers meet Alabama on the road on Nov. 8.
