Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry has taken a firm stand in the search for LSU’s next football coach after the firing of Brian Kelly. Landry declared that athletic director Scott Woodward will not lead the effort, citing costly mistakes that left the university with a massive buyout bill.
Kelly’s Sudden Exit Shakes LSU Football
Brian Kelly’s time at LSU ended abruptly after a disappointing season. Hired from Notre Dame in 2021 with a 10-year, 95 million dollar contract, Kelly posted a 34-14 record over four years but failed to deliver the championships fans expected.
The tipping point came with a 49-25 home loss to Texas A&M on October 25, 2025, dropping the Tigers to 5-3. Fans chanted for his dismissal during the game, and by the next night, LSU announced the firing. Kelly’s teams showed early promise, like a 4-0 start this year, but crumbled under pressure with key losses.
This move echoes past coaching changes at LSU, where high expectations often lead to quick turnovers. Previous coaches like Ed Orgeron, who won a national title in 2019, also faced short leashes despite successes.
Governor Landry Steps In with Sharp Criticism
Governor Jeff Landry made headlines on October 29, 2025, by publicly barring Scott Woodward from the coach search. Speaking at the state capitol in Baton Rouge, Landry blasted Woodward for a pattern of bad deals, including Kelly’s contract and a similar one at Texas A&M.
Landry pointed to the 54 million dollar buyout for Kelly as a burden on taxpayers, since LSU is part of the state’s education system. He even joked that he would rather let President Trump pick the coach than trust Woodward again.
This intervention highlights the deep ties between Louisiana politics and LSU football. Governors have influenced university decisions before, but Landry’s direct role marks a bold shift. He called for accountability, saying no more blank checks for athletics.
Landry met with LSU leaders right after the firing to discuss finances and next steps. His stance aims to protect state funds while pushing for a winning hire.
Financial Fallout from Big Contracts
The Kelly firing spotlights the high stakes of college football coaching deals. LSU now owes 54 million dollars in buyout money, adding to a history of expensive exits.
Woodward’s track record includes the record 77 million dollar buyout for Jimbo Fisher at Texas A&M in 2023. Such payouts strain university budgets, often covered by boosters and state support.
| Coach | University | Contract Value | Buyout Amount | Year Fired |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brian Kelly | LSU | 95 million | 54 million | 2025 |
| Jimbo Fisher | Texas A&M | 75 million | 77 million | 2023 |
| Ed Orgeron | LSU | 17 million (extension) | 17 million | 2021 |
These figures show a trend of rising costs in college sports. Experts say revenue from TV deals and NIL rules fuel bigger contracts, but failures hit hard.
LSU’s situation could affect recruiting and fan support if not handled well. The university must balance finances with the need for top talent.
Top Candidates in the Mix
The coach search has sparked buzz about potential hires. Names like Lane Kiffin from Ole Miss and Jon Sumrall from Tulane lead the pack, with odds favoring proven winners.
Other possibilities include big names like Nick Saban, who retired from Alabama, or Urban Meyer, despite his past controversies. Ed Orgeron, LSU’s former coach, has expressed interest in returning.
- Lane Kiffin: Known for offensive prowess, with a strong SEC record.
- Jon Sumrall: Rising star with ties to Louisiana football.
- Nick Saban: Legendary coach, but retirement makes a comeback unlikely.
- Ed Orgeron: Won a title at LSU, understands the culture.
Insiders say the search focuses on someone who fits LSU’s high-energy style and can handle the pressure.
Logical picks would prioritize coaches with SEC experience to navigate tough schedules. Recent events, like Florida’s coaching change, add competition for top talent.
Recruiting and Fan Impact
The firing and search come at a critical time for recruiting. LSU risks losing top prospects if uncertainty drags on, especially with early signing periods approaching.
Fans are split, with some praising Landry’s involvement for accountability, while others worry about political interference in sports. Social media shows strong opinions, from calls for big names to criticism of past hires.
This drama ties into broader college football trends, like the expanded playoff and conference realignments in 2025.
What’s Next for LSU
LSU aims to name a new coach soon to stabilize the program. Interim staff will handle remaining games, but the focus is on a long-term fix.
Landry’s role could speed up the process or create hurdles, depending on how university leaders respond. Success here might set a model for other states with flagship programs.
What do you think about Landry’s move or who should be the next coach? Share your thoughts in the comments and pass this article along to fellow fans.
