Timeline reveals how Brian Kelly firing exposed LSU athletics dysfunction

LSU has announced the departure of Athletic Director Scott Woodward, who had been with the university since 2019. Woodward's tenure included the successful hires of championship coaches Kim Mulkey (women's basketball) and Jay Johnson (baseball). However, his football hire, Brian Kelly, was less successful, leading to Kelly's firing on October 26, 2025, after LSU's underperformance, including a lack of College Football Playoff appearances and a significant loss to Texas A&M.

In the aftermath, Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry criticized Woodward's decision to hire Kelly, despite some of his claims being inaccurate, such as those regarding Kelly's buyout. With Woodward's departure, Verge Ausberry has been named interim Athletic Director. He will oversee the search for a new football coach, amidst a turbulent period marked by political involvement and high expectations at LSU.

The university now faces challenges in stabilizing its athletic department and addressing concerns over leadership continuity, buyout implications, and