The cost should LSU terminate Scott Woodward's contract

In late 2022 LSU extended Scott Woodward's contract as athletic director for the University. 

Under that contract, Woodward currently makes approximately $1.85 million per year and is under contract through April 2029. 

With approximately 3.5 years to go, LSU would owe Woodward nearly $6.8 million if they were to fire him in the next month. Based on the Governor's public statements today that Scott Woodward will not select the next football coach; it brings into question whether Woodward will remain employed by the University much longer. LSU is expected to select a new President of the University as early as next week. 

Woodward's contract includes standard mitigation clauses requiring Scott to make reasonable efforts to secure comparable employment. Any income he secures from further employment would offset LSU's obligation to pay Woodward. 

Woodward is in his early 60s. 

Prior to this term at LSU, Woodward served as director of athletics at Texas A&M and at the University of Washington. 

The Baton Rouge native's first term at LSU was working for then LSU President Mark Emmert as director of external affairs. When Emmert left LSU to go to the University of Washington, Woodward followed becoming vice president of external affairs. A few years later, he would move into the role of Director of Athletics at UW. 

From his LSU bio:

In April of 2019 in his hometown of Baton Rouge and on the grounds of his alma mater, Scott Woodward was announced as LSU’s athletics director. Woodward has since reenergized the LSU family and set a vision for championships and an unwavering commitment to the student-athlete. 

“This state and university has been a part of my life for more than five decades, and I know and I embrace the high expectations of Tiger Nation. We will win championships and we will do it the right way, representing LSU with pride and dignity every step of the way,” said Woodward at his announcement.

Early in his tenure at LSU, Woodward has made clear his commitment to the wellbeing of the student-athlete and has added a senior associate of student-athlete health and wellness to his executive staff. Woodward’s is a mind, body and spirit approach with the long-term physical and mental health of student-athletes in mind. 

“When you come to LSU, the entirety of who you are as a human being is going to be cared for, not just your performance on a field of play,” said Woodward at the opening of the Performance Nutrition Center for LSU student-athletes. 

Woodward emphasizes academic performance and post-graduate opportunities for student-athletes. His approach is to ensure student-athletes leave campus with a world-class education and real-life skills in order to excel in their chosen field. 

Woodward’s support of the student-athlete does not stop after graduation, however. Working to increase post-graduate career opportunities is a central component of Woodward’s approach in order to help bridge the gap from being a student-athlete to a first full-time job.  

Along with his commitment to the student-athlete, Woodward has set a course for championships in all sports at LSU as he has done throughout his career.