“We are here today to announce our decision to make a change in the leadership for the LSU football program.
The critical role of our football program is clear: it is of vital importance to the entire LSU community: Our students, our fans and alumni worldwide, and the state of Louisiana. Simply put, success in LSU football is essential for the success of Louisiana State University.
It is our intention that we make certain that we have a football program that is successful on the field and off the field, one that LSU fans and alumni everywhere can look to with pride. As chancellor of the university, I am absolutely committed to doing whatever is necessary to build such a program. Unfortunately, the current direction of the program will not accomplish these ends and we have concluded that a change of leadership is needed.
In announcing this decision, I want to thank Gerry DiNardo for all he has done at LSU in the last five years. I thank him for his hard work, for caring about his players, for his unquestionable integrity and for the skill in which he has handled discipline within this program. For all he has done for LSU, we thank him and wish him well.
We hope and plan for a smooth and professional transition. Consistent with the terms of his appointment, Gerry DiNardo will be paid for the final four years of his current contract. His assistant coaches will be paid through the end of the fiscal year, unless retained by the next head coach.
Coach DiNardo has decided to step down immediately and Hal Hunter, LSU’s assistant head coach, will serve as interim head coach for the final game of the season.
It had been our intention to make an announcement on this matter after the last game of the season. But with the open date this week and only a single game remaining, with the concurrence of the leadership of the board of supervisors, who must ultimately approve these recommendations, I concluded that it was in the best interests of all concerned, and particularly in the best long term interests of the university, to act now, rather than wait.
Now we will move quickly and effectively to find a new head football coach. As chancellor, I will take a lead role in the search process along with our Athletic Director, Joe Dean. It will be an open, national search; one that will give us the best opportunity to bring in a coach who can attain long-term success, someone who can work with our student-athletes to put them in the best position to win in football and graduate from LSU.
It is our intention to present a recommendation to the board of supervisors by its next meeting on Dec. 10. However, we will not let an artificial deadline get in the way of hiring the best coach for LSU. We will work long and hard to make certain we have the right person for the job.
Finally, I urge tiger fans everywhere to continue to support our team during this transition. Our team has worked long and hard for their University. They have earned and deserve all the support and respect we can give them.”