LSU Basketball: Dale Brown dies at 90 two days after Wooden Award honor

Dale Brown, the head coach who established LSU men’s basketball as a national program, died Friday, Oct. 23. He was 90 years old. His death occurred just two days after the university announced he would receive the 2027 John R. Wooden Legends of Coaching Award. The honor recognizes his long-standing contributions to the sport.

Brown coached the Tigers for 25 seasons, spanning from 1972 to 1997. He compiled 448 wins, the highest total in school history. Under his leadership, the team captured four Southeastern Conference regular-season titles. LSU advanced to the NCAA Tournament 13 times during his tenure, including Final Four appearances in 1981 and 1986.

The coaching staff included several players who later achieved professional success. Shaquille O'Neal, a future NBA Hall of Famer, played under Brown. Mahmoud Abdul-Rauf, who was previously known as Chris Jackson, and Rudy Macklin also suited up for the team during Brown’s era.

Brown’s family issued a statement describing him as a dedicated humanitarian. They noted that he always led with the heart and prioritized others above himself. The family added that he developed a deep connection with Louisiana and its residents, who reciprocated that affection.

Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry posted on X that Brown placed LSU basketball on the national map. Landry stated that Brown’s influence would persist for decades. Sports journalist Marc J. Spears, also on X, called Brown an extraordinary human. Spears thanked Brown for the wisdom he shared during conversations about basketball and life.

Brown arrived in Baton Rouge in 1972 to rebuild the program. He traveled throughout the state to promote the team and build a fan base. In 1979, LSU secured its first SEC regular-season title since 1954. The team reached the Final Four the following year and returned in 1986. Brown received the Associated Press National Coach of the Year award in 1981 and was named SEC Coach of the Year four times.

In a 2025 interview with WAFB reporter Chris Nakamoto, Brown recalled a game against undefeated Kentucky. All five of his starters had fouled out, and he told his remaining players they were now backups rather than substitutes. LSU won that game. Brown credited his mother for teaching him to do the right thing and warned that polishing one's image can tarnish character. Born in Minot, North Dakota, on Oct. 31, 1935, Brown died eight days before his 91st birthday.