Louisiana’s Republican governor, Jeff Landry, is inserting himself into the affairs of LSU, doing several controversial measures, from suggesting that the school should erect a statue of far-right agitator Charlie Kirk to firing LSU athletic director Scott Woodward. This did not sit well with many in the school, from athletes to coaching staff, including WBB head coach Kim Mulkey.
A basketball coaching legend who has brought multiple national championships to the school, Mulkey was supposed to be at a press conference after an exhibition game against Langston University ahead of the new women’s basketball season. However, with Woodward’s firing, Mulkey decided to skip the press conference, as assistant coach Bob Starkey told reporters:
“Yeah she’s heartbroken,” Starkey told reporters.
“Yeah she’s heartbroken” says #LSU women’s basketball assistant Bob Starkey as to why Kim Mulkey didn’t show for her postgame press conference. Scott Woodward out as Tigers Athletics Director. @KimMulkey pic.twitter.com/6r7OFjQRUg
— Mike Scarborough (@ScarboroughMike) October 31, 2025
Reports indicated that news of Woodward’s firing dropped as she was still coaching the Tigers in that exhibition game. It was Woodward who signed Kim Mulkey to a 10-year contract worth $32 million, the highest for any women’s basketball coach in the country.
Woodward’s firing came just days after football head coach Brian Kelly was fired for a lackluster season. Governor Landry had blasted Woodward before firing him, saying that he would not let the fired AD be the one to select Kelly’s replacement. Landry, who is already facing criticism for suggesting the Charlie Kirk statue, is expected to face more criticism for the move.
Kim Mulkey Assistant Coach Praises Fired LSU AD Scott Woodward
During that same press conference, LSU WBB assistant coach Bob Starkey was the one who addressed the media following that exhibition game after Kim Mulkey decided to skip. He then heaped praise for Woodward, who he says is a big supporter of the school’s athletes and coaches.
“It made its way to the bench,” Starkey said. “Scott has a deep love for coaches and student-athletes. He works incredibly hard to make sure we have the resources. He has a passion of love about this university and about this state. We, and me personally, are a lot better for him.”
. @LSUwbkb Bob Starkey, filling in for head coach Kim Mulkey during postgame press conference following #LSU 121-41 exhibition win over Langston, says ouster of AD Scott Woodward made it’s way to bench during the action.
“We and me personally are a lot better for him.” pic.twitter.com/GZFpD4JlmB
— Jacques Doucet (@JacquesDoucet) October 31, 2025
For now, Verge Ausberry is serving as the interim athletic director for LSU as the school continues its search for a new AD and a new football coach.
Related:
Cavinder Twins, Lane Kiffin, Pat McAfee and More Mourn Charlie Kirk’s Tragic Death at 31
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