Bobby Keasler, the Hall of Fame coach who shaped college football at McNeese State, died Tuesday at the age of 80. His passing was confirmed by the university, which noted that he had returned to Lake Charles to retire after a distinguished career.
A career defined by championships
From 1990 to 1998 Keasler guided the Cowboys to four Southland Conference titles and a berth in the 1997 FCS National Championship game. His teams compiled a 78‑34‑2 record, the best in school history, and captured conference crowns in 1991, 1993, 1995 and 1997.
The 1995 squad went unbeaten in the regular season and reached No. 1 in the national rankings, while the 1997 team fell just short in the championship, losing 10‑9 to Youngstown State. Keasler’s success earned him five Southland Conference Coach of the Year awards and three Louisiana Coach of the Year honors.
Honors and lasting impact
In 2006 Keasler was inducted into the McNeese Hall of Fame, and in 2014 he received the Southland Conference Hall of Honor. The following year the league named him Coach of the Decade for the 1990s. He also mentored 53 first‑team All‑Southland players and 16 All‑Americans, cementing his influence on the sport.
After concluding his coaching tenure with a three‑year stint at Louisiana‑Monroe, Keasler returned to Lake Charles to retire, leaving behind a legacy celebrated by players, peers and the broader football community.