Former LSU AD Scott Woodward releases first statement after firing

For the first time since news broke of his firing as LSU AD, Scott Woodward released a statement. He penned a lengthy message to Tigers fans after the school announced its decision to part ways.

Woodward’s departure comes amid a tumultuous week for LSU. He made the decision to fire head football coach Brian Kelly on Sunday and was at the center of poignant comments from Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry on Wednesday. Landry argued Woodward should not lead the search for Kelly’s replacement after the university went on the hook for a $53 million buyout, though negotiations are ongoing.

In his statement, Woodward – who graduated from LSU in 1985 – discussed his passion for his alma mater. He also reflected on his time as athletics director in Baton Rouge and expressed his gratitude.

Now former LSU AD Scott Woodward issues a statement:

"Dear Tiger Nation:

It is with a heavy heart but also with my typical optimism, that today is my last day serving as your Director of Athletics.

I grew up a few miles from campus, attended Catholic High School, and…

— Bryce Koon (@bryce_koon) October 31, 2025

“Others can recap or opine on my tenure and on my decisions over the last six years as Director of Athletics, but I will not,” Woodward wrote. “Rather, I will focus on the absolute joy that LSU Athletics brings to our state’s residents and to the Baton Rouge community.

“I will cherish the incredible relationships I have built within the University community and beyond our campus borders. And I will fondly remember the national and SEC championships for the joy that they brought to our student-athletes, coaches, staff, campus community and our incredible fans.”

On3’s Pete Nakos reported sources have been expecting Woodward’s departure since Sunday – the day he fired Kelly without notifying LSU’s Board of Supervisors. Three days later, on Wednesday afternoon, Landry declared Woodward would not be leading the coaching search.

Kelly’s buyout remained front and center this week after the news broke, and it was amplified even more after comments from Landry during a Wednesday press conference. Landry told reporters Woodward would not be leading the search to replace Kelly, citing both the now-former coach’s contract and the one Jimbo Fisher received from Woodward at Texas A&M.

Between the two, there’s nearly $130 million in buyout money. That’s why Landry vowed someone else would lead the search while speaking with reporters on Wednesday.

“No. I can tell you right now, Scott Woodward is not selecting the next coach,” Landry said. “Hell, I would let Donald Trump select it before I let him do it. … I don’t know. But the Board of Supervisors is going to come up with a committee and they’re going to find us a coach.”