Head-coaching jobs in the SEC come with a high level of scrutiny in the eyes of the public, and no role exhibits that reality quite like being in charge of the LSU football program.
With the Tigers amidst a coaching search following the firing of Brian Kelly last Sunday, Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry made headlines Wednesday when he proclaimed that LSU Athletic Director Scott Woodward would not be selecting the next football coach at the school.
Late on in the same day, Landry posted a message on social media to clarify the role he will play in the search for the Bayou Bengals’ next head coach.
“I want to reiterate I am not picking the next coach at LSU,” Landry wrote.
“As Governor, it is my responsibility to protect the hard-earned tax dollars our citizens pay to the state. Everyone recognizes the tremendous amount of money at stake—money that our citizens could be on the hook for. In the absence of an LSU President, protecting our taxpayers AND the university we all love was of vital importance.
“As a father, fan, and a citizen who cares about our players, I have complete faith in Coach Wilson and that he will rally the boys the rest of the season and make LSU and all of Louisiana proud. Geaux Tigers.”
During the earlier press conference, Landry explained that the Board of Supervisors will construct a committee to pursue the University’s next head coach.
Parker is currently the sports editor for the Enterprise-Journal in McComb, Mississippi. He's a graduate from Mizzou who has experience covering the Tiger football and basketball beats for SB Nation, and he's worked for a variety of sports news outlets in the past.
