LSU New Orleans has appointed John Brady, a Louisiana Sports Hall of Famer and former LSU Tigers head coach, as senior advisor for athletic advancement and men’s basketball strategy. The move, announced on Tuesday, taps Brady’s decades‑long experience to bolster the Privateers’ fundraising efforts and shape the future of the men’s basketball program.
A Legacy of Excellence
Brady served as head coach of the LSU Tigers from 1997 to 2008, compiling a 192‑win record that places him third in school history behind Dale Brown and Harry Rabenhorst. Under his guidance the Tigers captured SEC championships in 2000 and 2006 and earned NCAA Tournament berths in four of those seasons, highlighted by a Final Four appearance in 2006.
During his tenure he coached a parade of talent that includes All‑Americans Stromile Swift, Glen Davis and Brandon Bass, each of whom earned SEC Player of the Year honors. He also mentored Ervin Johnson, the school’s only first‑round NBA draft pick in 1993, and later worked as a color analyst for the LSU Sports Radio Network from 2017 through 2023.
In his new role Brady will focus on generating financial support for both the basketball program and the broader athletic department, while also guiding roster construction and long‑term performance objectives. His strategic vision draws on a career that includes coaching the LSU New Orleans Privateers in 1990‑91, a season that ended with a 23‑8 record and an NCAA Tournament appearance.
Brady’s appointment comes as LSU New Orleans prepares to compete in the American South Conference and, potentially, the Sun Belt Conference, aligning his expertise with the ambitions of the university’s athletic leadership.
Dr. Michael Giorlando, Stacy Hollowell and other university officials praised the hire, noting that Brady’s blend of on‑court success and fundraising acumen positions the Privateers for sustained growth. The move underscores a commitment to blending tradition with forward‑looking strategy as the program looks ahead.