Governor Jeff Landry is making headlines in Louisiana, acting strong on college sports decisions, crime laws, and spending tax money. Landry, elected in 2024, is now one of the most talked-about leaders in the state, pushing for big changes and facing lots of debate.
Top Takeaways
- Jeff Landry is stepping in directly on LSU football, blocking athletic director Scott Woodward from choosing the next football coach after firing Brian Kelly.
- Landry says the LSU Board of Supervisors—not the AD—will choose the new coach to avoid another “costly mistake” and protect taxpayer money.
- He’s focusing on cutting waste, saying he’s tired of “rewarding failure” with big payouts for losing seasons and high ticket prices for fans.
- Landry is calling more “tough-on-crime” laws, using National Guard troops to support local police and demanding special legislative sessions to change crime rules.
- He declared a state of emergency to make sure food stamps (SNAP benefits) reach Louisianans during a federal shutdown, using state money to fill the gap.
Jeff Landry and the LSU Coach Controversy
When LSU fired football coach Brian Kelly after a bad season and a huge $53–54 million buyout, Governor Landry jumped right in. He announced Scott Woodward (LSU’s athletic director) would not get to pick the next coach—a rare move in state sports. Instead, the LSU Board (supervisors) will hire, with Landry saying he wants “success, not another expensive mistake” with taxpayer-funded coach contracts.
Jeff Landry also spoke out after the team raised ticket prices during a losing streak, telling fans and state leaders he wants fairness for both sports fans and taxpayers. He said, “I’m tired of rewarding failure and then leaving the taxpayers to foot the bill”.
Landry’s Tough-on-Crime Agenda
Jeff Landry is calling for new “tough-on-crime” laws. He asked the Trump administration for up to 1,000 National Guard troops to help fight crime in cities like New Orleans and Baton Rouge. He says he wants extra help for police, more patrols, and safer communities for families.
He has opened special sessions in the Louisiana legislature, trying to bring back strict crime laws and reverse changes made under the last governor. Some see these moves as necessary, while others say they might go too far.
Handling State Money: Shutdowns and Spending
With a federal government shutdown affecting food programs, Landry declared a state emergency to keep SNAP (food stamp) benefits flowing for children, seniors, and people with disabilities—using state money for the first days of November. He’s asked lawmakers to chip in $150 million to keep the program going, showing his concern for families in tough times.
During the latest lawmaking session, Landry pushed hard for more money for his school voucher plan and funding for public safety. While he did not get everything he wanted, the state passed a $51 billion budget, with some of his priorities included.
Latest Moves and Public Reaction
- Statue controversy: Landry called for a statue of political speaker Charlie Kirk at LSU, which sparked debate among students and professors.
- Wants more control: He lost a bid to change state worker rules to give the governor more power in firing government workers—raising eyebrows over jobs and politics.
- Critics and fans: Some say he’s using “Trump-like” tactics—being bold and direct—which his supporters like, but critics warn about too much top-down control.
Quick Facts Table: Jeff Landry (2025)
| Area | Details |
|---|---|
| Role | Governor of Louisiana (since 2024) |
| Big Focus | LSU football coaching change, tougher crime rules |
| SNAP Benefits | Declared emergency to protect food aid in shutdown |
| Power Moves | Board—NOT AD—will pick next LSU football coach |
| Critics Say | Risk of too much power, compared to Trump style |
| Supporters Say | Finally fixing old problems, protecting taxpayers |
“I’m tired of rewarding failure… we will ensure our money gets real results for the people of Louisiana,” Landry said about the LSU coach and taxpayer spending.
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