The conflict between Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry and LSU athletic director Scott Woodward has been brewing for a while. It recently intensified after Woodward fired football coach Brian Kelly. In a press conference, Landry didn’t hold back his frustration and made it clear he wouldn’t be involved in choosing the next coach.
According to Yahoo Sports, Landry has long had a grudge against Woodward. The governor reportedly told university donors and administrators he wanted Woodward fired after they decided to let go of Kelly.
A local political figure noted, “He’s got it out for him. This governor picks fights and never forgets a slight.” This ongoing feud seems partly rooted in their differing political views, with Woodward leaning more progressive than the conservative Landry.
Since taking office in 2024, Landry’s been at odds with LSU over several issues. For instance, he criticized the LSU women’s basketball team for not standing during the national anthem before an NCAA tournament game—calling it disrespectful—and even threatened to revoke athletic scholarships over it.
Additionally, Landry pushed for a return of a long-standing tradition: parading a live tiger around the football field. While this decision left many in the LSU community feeling “angry, scarred, and embarrassed,” he proceeded to bring in a Bengal tiger from Florida, ignoring the school’s official mascot.
More recently, he urged Woodward to rehire Will Wade, the former basketball coach with a successful record but who was fired due to an NCAA investigation involving player payments. Wade has since repaired his reputation, leading McNeese State to success and now coaching at NC State. However, after a lackluster performance from the basketball team this past season, Landry was vocal about his desire to see Wade return, which Woodward declined.
Just last week, Landry publicly criticized Woodward for giving Kelly a “terrible” contract, which involved a hefty $54 million buyout. This situation showcases the ongoing tension between political influence and the autonomy of athletic programs in universities.
The friction between Landry and Woodward has raised eyebrows. Observers wonder about the impact of such feuds on the school’s reputation and its ability to attract quality coaches and players. As college sports continue to evolve, the dynamics of leadership and accountability remain essential topics, particularly in states where politics and athletics intertwine.
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