As Louisiana State University looks to find a successor for head coach Brian Kelly, ESPN commentator Ryan Clark has openly criticized Gov. Jeff Landry. During a segment on “First Take,” Clark expressed his disapproval of Landry’s move to have the Board of Supervisors create a committee to aid in the search for a new coach to replace Athletic Director Scott Woodward. Clark, who has ties to LSU from his college football days, found Landry’s backing of a statue for conservative influencer Charlie Kirk to be one of the more absurd statements he’s made this week.
Clark didn’t hold back, labeling the push for a statue as the “second most ridiculous thing” Landry has put forth recently. He conveyed his frustration about Landry’s comments regarding the potential statue, stating that Kirk doesn’t reflect the values of the Louisianans, LSU players, or the university staff. “This is just another peek into the things that politicians really don’t understand,” Clark said, taking aim at Landry’s involvement in LSU athletics.
Concerning Woodward, Clark endorsed him, calling him dedicated to LSU’s success, pointing out the achievements like the championship basketball team under Kim Mulkey. He lamented that Brian Kelly’s hiring was a misstep for the university, arguing that Woodward should be the one selecting the new head coach, rather than involving politicians in the process.
In light of Clark’s comments, a request for response was made to Landry. The governor had previously discussed the coaching search on “The Pat McAfee Show,” where he hinted at a new contract for the incoming coach while addressing complications surrounding the current situation. He emphasized the importance of winning for coaches and pointed out that they should be confident enough to put their reputations on the line.
Additionally, Landry reiterated his support for a statue of Kirk on campus. He stated that he would challenge the LSU Board of Supervisors to designate a site for it, emphasizing free speech. Landry also recently attended a Turning Point USA event at LSU, noting significant attendance, and recognized Kirk’s presence prior to his untimely passing, which sent waves across the sports landscape.
