Scott Woodward’s time at LSU has come to an emotional close. After six remarkable years as athletic director, the Baton Rouge native leaves behind a legacy defined by championships, bold leadership, and an unwavering devotion to his alma mater. His departure is not just the end of an administrative era—it’s the conclusion of a deeply personal journey that fused love for LSU with a drive to elevate the Tigers into one of the most dynamic athletic programs in the nation.
When Woodward took over in April 2019, LSU athletics was already a proud brand, but he envisioned more than maintenance—he envisioned transformation. He wanted LSU to not just compete but dominate. Under his leadership, the Tigers soared to new heights across multiple sports, cementing their place in the national spotlight. His tenure will forever be linked to one of the greatest seasons in college football history: the 2019 national championship run led by Ed Orgeron and Joe Burrow, a campaign that defined not just excellence, but perfection.
That magical season felt like destiny fulfilled for Woodward, who had returned to Baton Rouge with the dream of bringing LSU back to the mountaintop. It wasn’t just about football, though. For him, success meant building a culture of excellence across the board—championships in every sport, top-tier facilities, and the best coaches in the country. In that regard, he delivered. From baseball to gymnastics to women’s basketball, LSU thrived under his watch, with national titles, record-breaking seasons, and unforgettable moments that became part of the Tiger legacy.
Perhaps Woodward’s greatest skill was his ability to identify and attract elite coaching talent. His reputation as one of the boldest and most effective athletic directors in the nation was built on fearless hires—decisions that combined vision with conviction. When he brought Kim Mulkey home to Louisiana in 2021, it was a seismic move that transformed LSU women’s basketball overnight. Mulkey, a Louisiana native and three-time national champion at Baylor, didn’t just win—she brought swagger, belief, and instant championship pedigree. Her arrival ushered in a new era for women’s sports at LSU, culminating in the Tigers’ stunning 2023 national title that electrified Baton Rouge and captivated the entire country.
The same pattern repeated itself across programs. Woodward was never content to play it safe; he believed LSU deserved the best, and he pursued it relentlessly. His hire of Brian Kelly from Notre Dame sent shockwaves through college football—a stunning move that proved LSU was serious about sustaining long-term national prominence. Kelly’s arrival was the statement of an athletic department unwilling to settle for mediocrity or comfort. It was Woodward’s signature: ambition matched with execution.
In baseball, Jay Johnson’s hiring continued that theme. Johnson’s energy, recruiting prowess, and championship mindset quickly paid off, culminating in the Tigers’ 2023 College World Series title—another golden moment under Woodward’s watch. Those who know him say these achievements weren’t accidents but the results of meticulous planning and a deep understanding of what LSU stands for. To Woodward, LSU was more than a school; it was a calling. His decisions always reflected that emotional connection, and that’s what made him different.
But beyond the trophies and the big names, Woodward’s legacy is rooted in something deeper—his vision for LSU’s future. He modernized the athletic department’s infrastructure, championed diversity in leadership, and strengthened LSU’s national profile through strategic partnerships and facility upgrades. He was instrumental in navigating the turbulent waters of the COVID-19 pandemic, ensuring LSU’s programs remained stable during a time of immense uncertainty. His leadership through crisis showed not just his administrative acumen, but his resilience and empathy.
Still, what makes his farewell so poignant is the personal bond he shared with LSU. This wasn’t just a job—it was a homecoming. Born and raised in Baton Rouge, Woodward’s journey from LSU student to athletic director was one of those rare full-circle stories that embody everything the school represents: loyalty, grit, and pride. He often said that every decision he made was guided by his love for LSU and his responsibility to its people—the fans, the athletes, the coaches, and the community.
In many ways, his departure feels bittersweet. There’s pride in what he accomplished, but also nostalgia for what it meant to lead his hometown university. During his farewell address, Woodward spoke with humility and gratitude, acknowledging that every success was a shared one. “This isn’t just my story—it’s LSU’s story,” he said. “It’s the story of our coaches, our players, our fans, and everyone who wears purple and gold with pride. I’m forever grateful to have been part of it.”
As the athletic director prepares to hand over the reins, LSU stands as one of the most stable and successful athletic departments in the country. The foundation he built will continue to shape the program for years to come. The revenue streams are strong, the coaching staffs elite, and the facilities world-class. But perhaps most importantly, the spirit of ambition and pride that Woodward reignited will endure.
Under his watch, LSU’s national profile grew beyond sports. He understood that athletics were the university’s front porch—a reflection of the broader institution. By raising LSU’s athletic visibility, he strengthened the entire university’s brand, attracting students, donors, and fans from across the globe. His tenure symbolized how deeply intertwined sports and identity are in Louisiana, and how success on the field can inspire pride far beyond the stadium walls.
There were challenges, of course. Woodward’s time wasn’t without controversy or hard decisions. From managing coaching transitions to navigating the evolving NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) landscape, he faced constant pressures that tested his resolve. But his steady hand and thoughtful leadership often turned obstacles into opportunities. He approached every issue with a long-term view, always asking what was best for LSU, not just in the moment, but for the next generation.
As he steps away, speculation naturally swirls about what’s next for Woodward. His résumé—stretching from Washington to Texas A&M to LSU—makes him one of the most respected figures in collegiate athletics. Wherever he goes, his name carries weight. Yet, no matter what chapter comes next, his connection to LSU will remain unbreakable. For many, he will always be the Baton Rouge native who came home to deliver championships and restore pride to the program he grew up loving.
