LSU's Athletic Director Scott Woodward Steps Down Amid Controversy

Scott Woodward, the athletic director at LSU, is no longer in his position. This decision came after Louisiana's governor made it clear that Woodward wouldn't be involved in hiring the next football coach. The interim athletic director is now Verge Ausberry, who was previously the executive deputy AD. The school's board chair, Scott Ballard, thanked Woodward for his six years of service and wished him luck in the future. Woodward had hired Brian Kelly as the football coach, but Kelly was recently let go after disagreements about staff changes. Woodward had signed Kelly to a big contract, which caused some issues. Gov. Jeff Landry was not happy with the contract and the buyout money that would be paid to Kelly. He also mentioned that ticket prices were going up while the team was not doing well. Landry said he was focused on the financial impact on taxpayers. Woodward himself will receive a buyout of over $6 million, but this amount could change if he finds another job. Woodward has worked at other schools like Washington and Texas A&M, where he made some big hires. Before working in athletics, Woodward was a political consultant and worked with the LSU chancellor. He then moved to Washington with the chancellor for a similar role.