Let me elaborate, because LSU’s football program is in the midst of crisis mode. The school has now apparently outdone itself by officially dismissing head coach Brian Kelly. The move came on the heels of a shocking 49-25 home loss to Texas A&M. This loss was a tough blow that sent the Tigers’ season record to 5-3. Kelly arrived at LSU from Notre Dame less than four years ago, signing a rich 10-year, $95 million deal with LSU. Now, it’s time for him to leave, having built a mixed legacy with his time in Baton Rouge.
During his time Kelly put together a phenomenal 34-14 record, winning almost 71% of the time. He was the primary catalyst behind quarterback Jayden Daniels’ meteoric rise to Heisman Trophy contention. Despite all of his success, his teams often struggled to make the leap into the College Football Playoff. Making the playoffs this year would be a significant milestone for the program. Beyond the obvious partisan differences, the dismissal points to an enormous contrast with his predecessors. Unlike Nick Saban, Les Miles, and Ed Orgeron—all of whom won national titles—his tenure bore a far less favorable outcome.
Kelly’s firing raises questions about the future of LSU football. Needless to say, everyone will be watching closely to see who gets put in charge of finding his successor. LSU athletics director Scott Woodward announced the decision to fire Kelly, but Governor Jeff Landry has publicly stated that he will not allow Woodward to pick the next coach. Landry has accused Woodward of a “pattern” of reckless contracts that have reportedly cost taxpayers tens of millions of dollars.
While Kelly’s buyout is some $54 million, just to further muddy the financial waters. The governor’s comments illustrate a developing pushback against the most costly aspect of college athletics in Louisiana.
Landry has been on the offensive from day one. He’s been holding private meetings with university leaders to assess the legal and financial fallout from Kelly’s abrupt dismissal.
“I can tell you right now, Scott Woodward is not selecting our next coach,” – Jeff Landry
The governor, in his budget address, reiterated the importance of making sure our next coach is set up for success and paid handsomely for it. Landry stated, “We’re going to pick a coach and we’re going to make sure that coach is successful, compensated properly, and held to metrics.” He shared his anger towards Woodward’s earlier choices that he feels have caused millions of dollars to be wasted.
“I’m tired of rewarding failure in this country and leaving the taxpayers to foot the bill,” – Jeff Landry
We agree with the growing number of political leaders who are keeping a closer eye on wasteful financial decisions in college sports. This feeling represents a growing tide within them. Landry’s comments are a sign of progress and point to greater future accountability and transparency in coaching contracts around LSU.
Now LSU is left to think about what might have been during its rollercoaster of a season. In the meantime, we still see major college football programs across the country firing head coaches before the calendar flips to November. Whether measured in wins and losses, research funding or administrative efficiency, this joint trend reflects a worrying impatience on the part of university leaders and champions alike.
Following Kelly’s departure, most are understandably turning their attention to the candidates who will replace him as head coach. And of course, speculation is rampant. Landry has signaled from the start that he intends to play a very active role in this process.
“But we’re going to make sure the next contract makes sense. We’re done writing blank checks,” – Jeff Landry
The future of LSU football now hinges on how quickly the university can identify and hire a new coach who can restore its competitive edge in college football. Just as state officials are increasing their oversight, sports fans are calling for more accountability. For this reason alone, all eyes will soon be trained on what LSU does next.