Kim Mulkey has finally spoken up about the person who convinced her to leave Baylor after 21 seasons. The LSU empire appears to be crumbling from the inside after they let go of Athletic Director Scott Woodward with immediate effect just a week ago, following the departure of football head coach Brian Kelly.

In the post-game interview, while addressing the media, Mulkey was specifically asked what the firing of Woodward meant to her. “Scott hired me! So anytime when a coach is hired by somebody, you have special feelings. My feelings are far deeper because I’m from the state. And I want all of us to always do good. I want us to look good. I want us to smell good. I want everything good about the state. So, I’m happy. I heard Verge (Ausberry) is now the AD. I’m happy cause I think Verge is like a lot of us. He grew up in the state. This is his school. And time will help all of us,” the Tigers’ head coach replied.

Scott Woodward and Kim Mulkey share a deep and personal relationship, as the former AD was the one who hired the Tigers’ head coach back in 2021 and later signed her to a 10-year contract worth $32 million, establishing her as one of the highest-paid women’s basketball coaches.

While Mulkey’s arrival was an absolute home run for LSU in terms of the people brought in by Woodward, it was his other hires that put him under immense scrutiny. Two coaches, Jimbo Fisher and Brian Kelly, received $77 million and $54 million buyouts, respectively, resulting in the largest buyouts in the history of college football, which ultimately cost taxpayers, according to Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry.

But accepting the reality that Woodward won’t be around anymore is going to be difficult for Mulkey. Back in 2023, when the Tigers secured their first National championship after beating Iowa, she praised her colleague. She said, “He is my kind of leader. We talk the same language. I don’t know if that’s a Louisiana thing. He’s from Baton Rouge. I’m from Hammond. But he just gets it. He gets it. He gets out of the way. He doesn’t have to be, and doesn’t want to be, the most important person in the athletic department… He wouldn’t even go out there tonight and cut the net down.”

Despite the turbulence behind the scenes, however, Kim Mulkey’s Tigers made it clear on the court that they’re locked in. With Verge Ausberry now stepping into the AD role and Mulkey’s leadership steadying the ship, the LSU Tigers secured their first win of the season, ending the game 108-55.

Kim Mulkey’s Tigers make a statement in season opener

The Lady Tigers are here to take it all. They featured eight newcomers, a mix of experienced transfers and talented freshmen. And as the 2025-26 NCAA season tips off, Mulkey’s team didn’t just win; they dominated, ending the game with nearly 2x the score of the Huskies. Freshman guard ZaKiyah Johnson led the way with her first career double-double with 11 points and 11 rebounds. The Tigers also spread the scoring load with MiLaysia Fulwiley posting 21 points, Mikaylah Williams 14, Flau’Jae Johnson 12, and Grace Knox 10.

LSU’s fast-paced offense and suffocating defense set the tone early. By the first-quarter media timeout, the Tigers had already built an 18-7 lead, ultimately holding a 26-point advantage at halftime. They outscored Houston Christian in every quarter, also recording 46 points off 33 turnovers. Mulkey’s side finished with 23 steals, ranking in the top five of the all-time school record book.

With one under their belt, the Tigers will play the Southeastern Louisiana Lady Lions on November 6. If today’s game is any indication, LSU (currently No. 5 in AP’s season poll) is a serious threat this season.