Story perspectives

Dale Brown, LSU’s 448-win coach, dies at 90

By Drooid · Oct 23, 2026, 10:45 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

Former LSU coach Dale Brown died at age 90 on Oct. 23, 2026.
He led LSU from 1972-1997, compiling a 448-win record.
Brown won four SEC regular-season titles and the 1980 SEC Tournament.
His teams reached the NCAA Final Four in 1981 and 1986.
Two days before his death, he was named the 2027 John R. Wooden Legends of Coaching Award recipient.

History

Historical Context

When UNC appointed 30-year-old Dean Smith as head coach in 1961, the program was reeling from an ACC point-shaving scandal and a reduced schedule. Smith built a clean, desegregated program that amassed 879 victories, two national titles (1982, 1993) and 27 straight 20-win seasons, reshaping recruiting and setting a model for modern college basketball.

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Story summary

Former LSU coach Dale Brown died at age 90 on Oct. 23, 2026.
He led LSU from 1972-1997, compiling a 448-win record.
Brown won four SEC regular-season titles and the 1980 SEC Tournament.
His teams reached the NCAA Final Four in 1981 and 1986.
Two days before his death, he was named the 2027 John R. Wooden Legends of Coaching Award recipient.

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