LSU Chair Had No Idea Louisiana's Governor Tasked Board With Hiring Next Football Coach

LSU has dismissed head football coach Brian Kelly amid a 5-3 season, a move that highlights the program's high expectations and volatile nature. The decision comes with a significant financial burden, as Kelly's contract buyout could cost Louisiana up to $53 million. The announcement has sparked political involvement, with Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry stating that LSU's board of supervisors, not athletic director Scott Woodward, will oversee the search for Kelly's replacement. This decision was unexpected news to board chair Scott Ballard, who will now lead the hiring process. The search for a new coach comes as LSU lacks a sitting president, creating a power vacuum at the university. Lane Kiffin is among the top candidates speculated to fill the vacancy. Kelly's tenure at LSU was marked by a promising start but ultimately failed due to an inability to maintain a competitive roster and fit culturally with the program.