LSU Athletic Director Scott Woodward has cemented an unparalleled and unenviable legacy in college football, becoming the driving force behind the hires that resulted in the two most expensive coaching buyouts in the sport’s history, cumulatively exceeding $130 million.
In the high-stakes world of college football, few figures cast a shadow as financially significant as LSU Athletic Director Scott Woodward. Recently, Woodward found himself at the center of a firestorm following the dismissal of head coach Brian Kelly, a move that triggered the second-largest buyout in the sport’s history. This latest development underscores a remarkable, and costly, pattern for Woodward, who also initiated the hire that eventually led to the largest buyout ever: Jimbo Fisher at Texas A&M.
The Groundbreaking Jimbo Fisher Deal at Texas A&M
Before his tenure in Baton Rouge, Woodward served as the athletic director at Texas A&M from 2016 to 2019. It was during this period that he orchestrated one of college football’s most audacious coaching acquisitions, luring Jimbo Fisher from Florida State in 2017. Fisher’s initial contract was a groundbreaking 10-year, fully guaranteed $75 million deal, a significant commitment that Woodward championed. As USA TODAY Sports reported, this contract was designed to be fully guaranteed, limiting the school’s recourse if they chose to part ways.
While Woodward departed Texas A&M for LSU in April 2019, his initial move set the stage for Fisher’s eventual record-setting payout. In September 2021, under the leadership of then-athletic director Ross Bjork, the Aggies signed Fisher to a four-year, fully guaranteed extension. This extension dramatically increased Fisher’s buyout, doubling it from $45.6 million to an astonishing $95.6 million. When Fisher was ultimately fired just two years later, his buyout figure settled at a colossal $76.8 million, solidifying its place as the largest in college football history, a figure partially influenced by the foundation Woodward laid years prior, as noted by Yahoo Sports.
Brian Kelly’s Brief, Expensive Stint at LSU
Upon his arrival at LSU, Woodward quickly made another bold coaching hire. In 2021, he successfully persuaded Brian Kelly to leave Notre Dame, signing him to a substantial 10-year, $95 million deal. Touted as a move to bring stability and national championship contention to Baton Rouge, Kelly’s tenure was cut short on October 26, 2025, following a disappointing 49-25 home loss to Texas A&M. This decision triggered a buyout of approximately $54 million, making it the second-priciest in college football history.
The firing highlights Woodward’s assertive, high-risk approach to coaching acquisitions. As USA TODAY Sports detailed, Kelly’s contract included a significant buyout clause, emphasizing the financial commitment LSU made under Woodward’s direction.
The Financial Reckoning: Over $130 Million in Buyouts
The combined buyouts for Jimbo Fisher and Brian Kelly represent an astounding financial burden, totaling well over $130 million. This unprecedented situation places Scott Woodward in a unique, and heavily scrutinized, position as the athletic director connected to both of college football’s most expensive coaching departures. The scale of these payments has not gone unnoticed by prominent analysts and the fan base.
Analyst Josh Pate did not mince words on his show, describing Woodward’s track record as “emblematic of deeper issues within the LSU athletic department.” Pate emphasized that any coach considering the LSU job would need assurances of stable and functional program leadership. He directly blamed Woodward for the “Jimbo Fisher fiasco” and the “Brian Kelly disaster,” pointing to the critical financial issues impacting the university.
Similarly, sports commentator Stephen A. Smith passionately criticized Woodward’s decisions, stating on ESPN’s “First Take” that “$130 million. Two coaches hired by the same man are being paid not to coach anymore.” Smith questioned how such mistakes could be justified, reflecting a widespread sentiment of frustration among fans and observers regarding the lavish spending and lack of sustained success.
A Look Beyond Football: Woodward’s Other Triumphs
While the spotlight currently shines on the football program’s financial woes, it is important to acknowledge Scott Woodward’s significant successes in other LSU sports. His tenure has not been without remarkable achievements that showcase his ability to identify and hire winning coaches across the athletic department.
- Kim Mulkey (Women’s Basketball): Woodward’s hiring of Mulkey led to immediate dividends, with the LSU women’s basketball team securing a national championship in 2023.
- Jay Johnson (Baseball): Under Woodward’s leadership, Johnson was brought in to coach the LSU baseball team, guiding them to win two of the last three College World Series titles.
These successes demonstrate Woodward’s capacity to build elite programs, offering a more nuanced view of his overall impact as an athletic director, even as the football challenges loom large.
Implications for LSU’s Future
The financial aftermath of these massive buyouts, coupled with the organizational scrutiny, presents a complex challenge for LSU as it embarks on yet another coaching search. The perception of instability and substantial financial strain may deter some premier coaching candidates, as Josh Pate suggested, unless the university is prepared to “overpay for them.”
The fan community, deeply invested in the program’s success, is keenly watching to see how Scott Woodward navigates this critical juncture. The next head football coach at LSU will inherit a program with immense potential in a fertile recruiting area, but also one under intense pressure to deliver results and justify the unprecedented financial outlays.
