LSU and athletic director Scott Woodward are finalizing his separation from the school in the wake of coach Brian Kelly's firing and criticism from Gov. Jeff Landry, sources confirmed Thursday night to The Advocate.

Longtime LSU athletic official Verge Ausberry will serve as the interim athletic director, a source confirmed. The news was first reported by ESPN and Yahoo Sports.

The decision comes one day after Landry announced at a press conference on Wednesday that Woodward would not be allowed to select LSU's next football coach, citing the nearly $54 million buyout the school owes Kelly due to his firing.

"Hell, I'll let Donald Trump select him before I let him do it," Landry said in a press conference on Wednesday.

Woodward was hired as LSU's athletic director in April of 2019

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