The Louisiana State University (LSU) Tigers football program has announced plans to erect a statue of their legendary head coach, Work on the monument is scheduled to commence in…

Baton Rouge, LA — June 1, 2025 — Louisiana State University (LSU) has officially announced plans to commemorate one of its most iconic head coaches by erecting a bronze statue in his honor. The monumental project is set to begin later this summer, with the unveiling scheduled for the fall, coinciding with the start of the 2025 college football season. The tribute comes as a powerful statement of respect for a coach who helped define LSU’s football legacy and left an indelible mark on the program.

While university officials have yet to publicly confirm the coach’s name, multiple insiders have reported that the honor will go to Les Miles who served as LSU’s head football coach from 2005 to 2016. Known for his fiery personality, unforgettable press conferences, and “Mad Hatter” game-day tactics, Miles guided LSU to a 2007 BCS National Championship two SEC titles and a career record of 114-34 with the Tigers.

The statue will be located near the south end zone of Tiger Stadium, joining other LSU legends already memorialized in the area. Designed by Louisiana-based sculptor Angela Doucet, the piece will portray the coach mid-stride on the sidelines, with a headset in one hand and his iconic grass in the other — a playful nod to his quirky habit of chewing stadium turf before games.

This is more than just a statue,” said LSU Athletic Director **Scott Woodward**. “It’s a permanent reminder of a leader who poured his heart into this program, brought home championships, and built a culture that still drives LSU football today.

The base of the statue will be inscribed with the coach’s career highlights, famous quotes, and tributes from former players and colleagues. Interactive kiosks around the monument will allow fans to relive key moments from his tenure through video highlights and audio recordings.

LSU officials have also announced a public dedication ceremony for the unveiling. The event will include appearances by past players, university officials, and family members of the honored coach. The marching band, cheerleaders, and LSU alumni will be part of the celebration, which is expected to draw thousands of fans from around the state.

This is a proud day for Baton Rouge and for all of Louisiana, said Mayor Sharon Weston Broome “This coach didn’t just win games — he built character, invested in the community, and made Saturdays in Death Valley feel like magic.

The decision to immortalize the coach in bronze is part of a broader LSU initiative to honor its historic figures and inspire the next generation of players. Current head coach Brian Kelly praised the move, calling the statue “a symbol of what is possible when passion meets purpose.

Every player who walks into Tiger Stadium will pass by that statue,” Kelly said. “And every one of them will be reminded that greatness lives here — not just in wins and losses, but in the legacy we leave behind.

Beyond football, the honored coach was known for his charitable efforts, academic advocacy, and fierce loyalty to the LSU community. He played a key role in fundraising campaigns, built stronger student-athlete support systems, and championed leadership development within the athletic department.

He believed in more than just football,” said former LSU linebacker Devin White “He believed in building men — and that’s why we’ll never forget him.

As Tiger fans eagerly await the unveiling, this statue stands as a testament to a golden era in LSU football — one filled with gutsy play calls, unforgettable victories, and a coach whose legacy will now live forever in bronze.