The news that Scott Woodward is stepping down as LSU’s athletic director sent shockwaves across Baton Rouge and the college sports landscape. For years, Woodward has been one of the most influential figures in college athletics — a strategic operator, a Louisiana native who returned home to elevate LSU to new heights, and a man whose name became synonymous with ambition, bold hires, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. Now, with his resignation, the Tigers find themselves at a pivotal crossroads. The interim leadership of Verge Ausberry marks the beginning of a new chapter for an athletic department that has both thrived and faced challenges under Woodward’s watch. The decision signals the end of an era and the beginning of an uncertain but intriguing future for one of America’s premier athletic programs.
When Scott Woodward arrived at LSU in 2019, expectations were sky-high. A Baton Rouge native and LSU graduate, he was seen as a hometown hero returning to rescue and reimagine the program. His reputation had already been built through transformative stints at Washington and Texas A&M, where he demonstrated an uncanny ability to identify and hire elite coaching talent. He brought that same vision back to his alma mater, determined to make LSU the standard-bearer of college athletics. His first few months on the job were electric. He inherited a football program already surging under Ed Orgeron and Joe Burrow, and by the end of 2019, LSU had completed one of the greatest seasons in college football history. The Tigers’ undefeated run to a national championship, capped by Burrow’s Heisman and Orgeron’s crowning moment, was a dream scenario for Woodward — one that instantly solidified LSU’s dominance and gave him the perfect platform to build from.
But college athletics rarely stand still, and neither did Woodward. His tenure became defined by a series of bold moves, calculated risks, and high-profile hires that reshaped LSU’s athletic identity. Perhaps none was more audacious than the decision to part ways with Ed Orgeron just two years after that historic championship. While some questioned the move, Woodward saw the need to maintain standards and long-term vision. His answer was Brian Kelly — a stunning hire that sent shockwaves throughout college football. Kelly, the winningest coach in Notre Dame history, left one of the most storied programs in the nation to lead the Tigers. It was a testament to Woodward’s persuasive power and LSU’s allure under his leadership. Kelly’s arrival, though met with skepticism from some corners, signaled LSU’s intent to remain among the elite — not content with occasional success, but determined to sustain it.
Woodward’s influence extended well beyond football. He also transformed LSU’s women’s basketball program into a national powerhouse by bringing in Kim Mulkey, one of the most decorated coaches in NCAA history. That move paid off spectacularly, culminating in the 2023 national championship — LSU’s first in women’s basketball and a moment that galvanized the entire fanbase. Mulkey’s brash confidence, star-driven roster, and ability to deliver on the grandest stage reflected the exact traits Woodward valued in his hires: ambition, charisma, and an unrelenting will to win. Similarly, his hiring of Jay Johnson in baseball continued LSU’s legacy of success, as the Tigers reclaimed the national title in 2023, cementing their reputation as one of college baseball’s premier programs.
These triumphs defined Woodward’s LSU tenure — but so did challenges. The athletic department navigated turbulent waters off the field, including NCAA investigations, Title IX issues, and shifting dynamics in the name, image, and likeness (NIL) era. The balancing act between maintaining competitive success and ensuring institutional integrity tested Woodward’s leadership constantly. Yet through it all, he managed to keep LSU relevant, competitive, and forward-looking. His ability to adapt to the new realities of college sports — from NIL collectives to transfer portal chaos — helped LSU stay ahead of the curve. He built a model that emphasized flexibility, financial innovation, and a modern understanding of what athletes and coaches expect in 2025.
Now, with Woodward stepping down, the question becomes: what comes next for LSU? The appointment of Verge Ausberry as interim athletic director provides both continuity and familiarity. Ausberry, a long-serving LSU administrator and former Tigers linebacker, has deep roots in the university and community. He has been instrumental in overseeing football operations, compliance, and external relations, and his understanding of LSU’s culture is unmatched. His interim leadership ensures that the transition won’t disrupt ongoing projects or recruiting efforts. Still, the long-term direction of the athletic department will depend on whether LSU decides to maintain Woodward’s aggressive, high-profile strategy or pivot toward a more measured, internally focused approach.
Ausberry’s challenge will be multifaceted. He must maintain stability in an era where athletic programs face unprecedented financial and structural pressures. The evolving landscape of college athletics — with the SEC’s expansion, potential playoff realignments, NIL regulations, and player unionization debates — demands steady, visionary leadership. LSU, as one of the SEC’s most visible programs, can’t afford a misstep. Coaches like Brian Kelly, Kim Mulkey, and Jay Johnson will need full administrative support to sustain their success, while other programs within the department look for renewed investment and attention. Ausberry’s leadership style, collaborative yet decisive, will be crucial in keeping LSU’s competitive edge intact.
Beyond the immediate challenges, Woodward’s departure also raises questions about the identity and direction of LSU athletics. His tenure was defined by star power — a collection of some of the biggest names in college sports leading programs that commanded national attention. LSU became not just a contender, but a brand. From the swagger of Joe Burrow to the showmanship of Angel Reese, LSU sports embodied a unique blend of grit, glamour, and southern pride. The next era must find a way to preserve that energy while addressing the realities of modern college sports. The university will need to balance the glitz with governance, ensuring that the pursuit of excellence doesn’t come at the expense of compliance or culture.
Woodward’s legacy is complex but undeniably impactful. He was a visionary who believed LSU could be the best — not just in the SEC, but nationally — across multiple sports. His hires proved that belief. Under his direction, LSU became a consistent presence in championship conversations. He brought stability to football after years of turbulence, revived women’s basketball, restored baseball dominance, and kept the athletic department financially strong. Yet, like all great builders, he leaves behind unfinished business. The next athletic director will inherit both the foundation and the expectations that Woodward set. Maintaining momentum won’t be easy — but it’s a challenge LSU is accustomed to embracing.
For the LSU community, Woodward’s resignation is bittersweet. It’s a moment to reflect on how far the program has come since his arrival and to acknowledge the influence he had in shaping its modern identity. It’s also a reminder that college athletics, for all its passion and prestige, remains a rapidly changing arena where leadership turnover is inevitable. What matters now is how LSU responds — how it continues to evolve, to adapt, and to uphold the standards that have made it a national powerhouse. Verge Ausberry’s interim leadership represents more than a stopgap; it’s a chance to stabilize and assess the next big step. Whether LSU opts for another blockbuster hire or elevates internal leadership, the decision will set the tone for the next decade of Tiger athletics.
As for Woodward, his departure closes one of the most dynamic chapters in LSU’s history. His fingerprints are everywhere — in the championship banners hanging across campus, in the infrastructure upgrades, in the national spotlight that LSU commands. Few athletic directors leave behind such a visible and immediate impact. His vision turned LSU into a symbol of modern college athletics: ambitious, unapologetic, and relentless in pursuit of greatness. The challenge now is sustaining that vision without him at the helm.
Ultimately, Scott Woodward’s decision to step down isn’t just an administrative change; it’s a defining moment for LSU. The program stands at another crossroads, one that will test its resilience and capacity to evolve. The names may change, but the expectations never do. LSU’s fans demand championships, its athletes demand excellence, and its legacy demands leadership. As Verge Ausberry assumes interim control, he carries not only the weight of those expectations but also the opportunity to shape the next great chapter in LSU’s storied tradition. The Woodward era may be over, but its influence will echo through Death Valley for years to come — a reminder that leadership, vision, and boldness are what keep LSU at the forefront of college sports.
