LSU Tigers athletic director Scott Woodward is known for making bold moves, and his latest gesture toward head coach Kim Mulkey proves just that. After LSU’s dominant victory over Florida State, Woodward awarded Mulkey a $69,000 bonus—an already generous reward—but he didn’t stop there. In a move that caught everyone off guard, he also presented her with a one-of-a-kind item, further showcasing his flair for extravagance.
While the exact nature of the unique gift remains undisclosed, its exclusivity underscores Woodward’s appreciation for Mulkey’s leadership and the Tigers’ continued success. Since arriving at LSU, Mulkey has transformed the women’s basketball program into a powerhouse, securing a national championship and maintaining the team’s elite status. Rewarding such accomplishments with substantial bonuses is standard practice in college athletics, but adding a rare or personalized gift is a level of recognition few coaches receive.
Woodward’s generosity is reflective of the broader trend in collegiate sports, where high-profile coaches are increasingly treated like royalty. With multimillion-dollar contracts, luxury perks, and performance-based incentives, top coaches often receive compensation packages rivaling those of professional teams. While some critics argue that such spending could be better allocated elsewhere, supporters believe rewarding success is crucial to maintaining LSU’s competitive edge.
For Mulkey, the bonus and exclusive gift serve as tangible reminders of her impact on the program. For Woodward, the gesture reaffirms his reputation as an AD willing to go above and beyond to support his coaches. And for LSU fans, it’s just another sign that their team is in good hands—both on the court and in the front office.
