LSU Football Coach Fired Amid Governor’s Assertive Role in University Management

By Michael Reagan with Michael R. Shannon

A surge in banker’s boxes has been observed in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, as former Louisiana State University officials begin packing their offices following their dismissal. The upheaval began when LSU football coach Brian Kelly was let go for underperforming on the field, a decision that resonates deeply in a state where college football holds significant cultural weight.

The turnover continued with the firing of LSU Athletic Director Scott Woodward, whose role in both dismissals drew scrutiny. Republican Governor Jeff Landry has been central to these changes, employing his considerable influence over Louisiana’s higher education system. Landry initiated the process by convening LSU administrators, board members, and boosters at the governor’s mansion, where the decision to terminate Kelly was finalized.

Days later, Landry criticized Woodward for Kelly’s $53 million buyout contract, escalating tensions. At a news conference, when asked about Woodward’s role in hiring the next football coach, Landry responded with characteristic flair: “Scott Woodward is not selecting the next coach. Hell, I’d let Donald Trump select him before I’d let him do it.”

Woodward reportedly began packing his office by week’s end. Louisiana’s history of gubernatorial involvement in LSU affairs dates back to Governor Huey (the Kingfish) Long, who famously intervened in football operations, including sending plays during games and co-writing the team’s fight song. Unlike Long, Landry’s approach is described as more restrained.

The article highlights Landry’s personal stake in LSU matters, framing it as a necessary counterbalance to decades of non-intervention by Republican governors, which the author claims allowed progressive forces to dominate higher education. The piece concludes with a call for other red-state leaders to adopt similar strategies, citing Florida Governor Ron DeSantis as an example of academic engagement.

Michael Reagan and Michael R. Shannon are contributors to Newsmax Media, specializing in political commentary and analysis.