DALE BROWN DIES AFTER 25 SEASONS COACHING LSU BASKETBALL

Dale Brown, who led Louisiana State University’s men’s basketball team for 25 seasons, died on Friday, 23 October, his family said. He coached LSU from 1972 to 1997. His career record lists 448 victories, the most by a head coach in the programme’s history. Brown took the Tigers to the NCAA Final Four in 1981 and 1986.

Brown’s LSU record also includes four Southeastern Conference regular-season titles and 13 NCAA Tournament appearances. He coached Shaquille O’Neal, Mahmoud Abdul-Rauf, who was formerly known as Chris Jackson, and Rudy Macklin. Brown first encountered O’Neal when the future NBA player was 13 and playing basketball in Germany. His family said Brown had developed a lasting connection with Louisiana during his time at LSU. “Dale long ago fell in love with Louisiana. And the people of Louisiana loved him right back,” the family said.

Two days before his death, LSU announced that Brown had been selected for the 2027 John R. Wooden Legends of Coaching Award. The award recognises coaching accomplishments and contributions to college basketball. Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry said Brown had changed LSU basketball and offered condolences to his family and the university community. “He put LSU Basketball on the map and his impact will be felt for decades to come,” Landry said. Brown’s family described him as someone who put others first and thanked people in Louisiana for their connection with him.