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Former LSU president William F. Tate IV posts cryptic message after LSU turmoil, Scott Woodward firing

Barkley-Truaxby: Barkley Truax7 hours agoBarkleyTruax
Tate IV LSU
© Julian Leshay Guadalupe/NorthJersey.com / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Former LSU president William F. Tate IV posted a cryptic message following the firing of athletic director Scott Woodward. It adds to the turmoil that has ensued throughout its athletic department this week in the wake of Brian Kelly’s firing.

Tate IV, who is now the president at Rutgers, posted a photo of the popular HBO series, ‘The Wire’ depicting Omar and Brother Mouzone walking alongside each other during season 3’s episode: Middle Ground.

What could this mean? Well, it appears that the Rutgers president is leaving that up for your personal interpretation. Though, fans of The Wire might have gotten a kick out of it.

Tate IV’s presidency at Rutgers began this season after holding the same position for LSU since 2021. Woodward, who was fired from his position on Thursday, who was already leading the athletic department for two years before Tate IV arrived in Baton Rouge.

In less than a one week span, the Tigers have gotten rid of their football coach and now their athletics director. It’s clear there will be a new era ushered into Baton Rouge over the next year. The university is also down to three finalists to name a new president and replace Tate IV.

Following his departure, Woodward penned a message to the fans of his alma mater. He also reflected on his journey as athletic director over the last six years.

“Others can recap or opine on my tenure and on my decisions over the last six years as Director of Athletics, but I will not,” Woodward wrote. “Rather, I will focus on the absolute joy that LSU Athletics brings to our state’s residents and to the Baton Rouge community.

“I will cherish the incredible relationships I have built within the University community and beyond our campus borders. And I will fondly remember the national and SEC championships for the joy that they brought to our student-athletes, coaches, staff, campus community and our incredible fans.”

Now, LSU will search for a new AD and football coach as the 2025 college football season winds down. For now, the Tigers will march forward with Frank Wilson as the team’s interim head coach.

LSU is on a bye this week. However, they’ll return to the field against Alabama during Week 11. The Tigers are one win away from becoming bowl eligible.