The firing of Brian Kelly prompted Stephen A. Smith to criticize the program’s Athletic director, Scott Woodward, as he pulled no punches during his appearance on the ESPN College Football show.
He called out Scott Woodward while publicly scrutinizing LSU’s failures under his tenure, including hefty buyout payments costing the institution a lot of money.
“We need a put on national television right now of that man’s [Scott Woodward’s] face”, Smith stated (1:52).
He also scrutinized the hefty buyout’s LSU had to incur. While Kelly’s buyout sits at approximately $54 million, Jimbo Fisher’s departure from Texas A&M cost $76 million, with both coaches being brought in by Woodward.
“76 million buyout associated with a $54 million buyout. Ladies and gentlemen, that equates to $130 million. Two coaches hired by the same man are being paid not to coach anymore”, he explained (2:01).
“I need to see a picture of that man [Scott Woodward] because if that were a player, we’d be calling him out. Okay. The same applies to the athletic director”, Smith further elaborated (2:21).
LSU AD Scott Woodward hired Jimbo Fisher at A&M and gave Brian Kelly his deal in Baton Rouge. Fisher’s buyout was the largest in CFB history and if they fire Kelly, BK’s would be the 2nd highest. pic.twitter.com/ruWWa02sUE
— Pat Smith (@patsmithradio) October 26, 2025
Smith didn’t stop at calling for public attention as he went further, suggesting Woodward should personally reimburse someone for the financial disaster he’s created.
Brian Kelly’s Tenure at LSU Ends After 34-14 Record
Kelly’s tenure at LSU ended with a 34-14 record over nearly four seasons, with the final straw coming after a brutal 49-25 loss to Texas A&M.
Reports indicate Woodward confronted Kelly, described as a tense and highly charged meeting. Woodward reportedly demanded coaching staff changes, specifically the firing of offensive coordinator Joe Sloan.
NEW: LSU Athletics Director Scott Woodward has identified Dan Mullen as the leading candidate to succeed Head Coach Brian Kelly. (Via: @JRodgers11) pic.twitter.com/FeQL3rICZo
— No3 Sports (@No3sports) October 28, 2025
Woodward’s stated that the decision to fire Kelly was necessary for the program’s trajectory, having high hopes and championship aspirations that simply didn’t materialize.
Read More:
- Days After Involvement In Brian Kelly Firing, Louisiana Governor Calls On School To Honor Charlie Kirk With New Statue
- Who Will Replace Brian Kelly at LSU? 5 Potential Candidates That Can Take the Tigers HC Spot Ft. Lane Kiffin
- Brian Kelly Falls $23 Million Short of Making College Football History After LSU Firing
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