Copyright Essentially Sports
Months are passing without a president for LSU. But they finally landed one with Wade Rousse, who worked at McNeese, stepping up to lead the comeback charge. His first move? Getting Tigers their new AD after Scott Woodward’s firing. He certainly made an instant impact by promoting interim AD Verge Ausberry to a permanent role, showing confidence in his ability to guide the program. Following Woodward’s $100 million deal with Brian Kelly, which financially burdened the Tigers, and considering his past large buyouts, like the $17 million paid to former coach Ed Orgeron, the sack became inevitable. Now, after spending 24 years at LSU, Ausberry looks to start a new chapter. Let’s explore more and get to know everything about him. ADVERTISEMENT Article continues below this ad Who’s Verge Ausberry, who replaced Scott Woodward? After Brian Kelly’s firing, the Tigers aren’t taking any chances with the program. Woodward’s exit proves it. Now, after he left under pressure, the board gave Ausberry full responsibility to lead the athletic department and find a better replacement for Kelly. Pete Thamel confirms the reports of this move on X, stating, “Can confirm reports that LSU is promoting Verge Ausberry to the job as LSU’s athletic director. New President Wade Rousse made the decision today, his first day in office.” ADVERTISEMENT Article continues below this ad Now, with ties to LSU, Verge Ausberry appears to be a perfect fit. He is a former LSU linebacker and began working with the LSU athletic department as an intern. After that, he worked for two-plus decades managing games, marketing, and handling sports administration, sports medicine, fundraising, and alumni relations. Back in 2019, when Woodward took office, he named Ausberry as executive deputy AD and executive director of external relations. Then, in his later role, he also assisted the Office of the President in external governmental affairs. More than anything, it’s Ausberry’s mindset that sealed the deal for him. Last week, he made a bold admission of how LSU and its AD are holding up after Kelly’s firing. “We’re LSU. Our phone is still ringing,” Ausberry said. “It’s one of the best jobs in the country. It is the best job in the country at this time. I don’t see any problems bringing the right person to LSU.” Now with a new AD and president online, things might shape up better for them. Let’s explore his successes during his time at LSU. Read Top Stories First From EssentiallySports Click here and check box next to EssentiallySports ADVERTISEMENT Article continues below this ad Verge Ausberry’s massive achievements for the LSU Tigers Verge Ausberry has built a notable career at LSU, both academically and athletically. With his role with the athletic department, he also served as the administrator for LSU’s elite track and field program, managing both football and men’s basketball. Before that, he was also a standout player for the team. In his four years at LSU as an LB, he was a letter winner every year and a two-time leading tackler. Now, despite having years of experience, his academic journey is still ongoing, as he earned his Master of Education degree in 1992 and a specialist degree in higher education administration in 2004, and is currently pursuing a doctorate in the same field. Now you know why Wade Rousse chose Ausberry as his athletic director. Knowing the program inside and out makes him a perfect fit to be part of finding Brian Kelly’s replacement as well. Moreover, the board is already showing immense trust in him. “Verge is the ideal person to lead this department through this change,” said John Carmouche, the chairman of the LSU athletic committee. “And I want to be very clear, he has full authority to do so; that includes leading the search for our next head coach and hiring our next head coach.” And even Verge is pretty clear about his intentions after taking the interim AD role. “We are not going to let this program fail,” Ausberry said. “LSU has to be in the playoffs every year in football; there are 12 teams that make it. It’s going to expand here. We have to be one of those at LSU.” Let’s wait and see after becoming the AD of the program to see if the mindset remains the same or not.
