What happened to LSU's athletic director Scott Woodward?

Woodward has departed as LSU's athletic director, with Verge Ausberry named as the interim AD. Woodward's exit comes just days after the school fired football coach Brian Kelly.

Why did LSU's athletic director leave?

Woodward's departure was largely due to public criticism from Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry, who had lambasted Woodward's leadership and said he would not be involved in hiring LSU's next football coach.

Who is the new interim athletic director at LSU?

Verge Ausberry, the executive deputy athletic director, will serve as the interim athletic director as LSU looks to move the department forward.

Home / Sports / LSU Athletic Director Ousted Amid Football Coaching Turmoil

LSU Athletic Director Ousted Amid Football Coaching Turmoil

31 Oct

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Summary

LSU athletic director Scott Woodward departs after 6 years
Interim AD Verge Ausberry to lead department amid coaching changes
Governor Jeff Landry publicly criticized Woodward's leadership

LSU Athletic Director Ousted Amid Football Coaching Turmoil

In a surprising move, LSU has announced the departure of its athletic director, Scott Woodward, on October 27, 2025. Woodward's exit comes just days after the university fired football coach Brian Kelly amid a 5-3 season.

Verge Ausberry, the executive deputy athletic director, will now serve as the interim athletic director as LSU looks to move the department forward. The school's board of supervisors chair, Scott Ballard, thanked Woodward for his six years of service and wished him well in the future.

However, Woodward's departure was not entirely unexpected. Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry had publicly criticized the outgoing athletic director multiple times this week, even stating that Woodward would not be hiring LSU's next football coach. Landry also mentioned "a number of bad contracts" that seemed to have followed Woodward.