LSU athletics suffered a major loss to its community. On Friday, LSU announced the passing of legendary former baseball coach and athletic director Skip Bertman. He was 88 years old. Bertman enjoyed great success at LSU during his 18-season tenure (1984-2001) as LSU baseball coach. He led the Tigers to five national championships and 11 College World Series appearances. 41 players he coached in Baton Rouge advanced to the MLB. LSU led the country in attendance 26 times since 1996, largely due to Bertman's vision. "Coach Bertman was so far ahead of his time while leading the LSU Tigers, and as a young coach just starting my journey, I watched, studied, and admired his incredible skills of leading, motivating, teaching, coaching, and ultimately cultivating what became 'The Powerhouse' of College Baseball," LSU baseball head coach Jay Johnson said. "Being able to share the 2023 and 2025 National Championships with Coach Bertman watching is something I wouldn’t trade for the world. The impact he made and legacy he has left on the state of Louisiana and college baseball is beyond remarkable and will never be duplicated." During his seven-year tenure as athletic director, Bertman hired four coaches who won national championships at LSU — Les Miles (football), Paul Mainieri (baseball), Chuck Winstead (men's golf) and Dennis Shaver (men's and women's track and field).
A statement from Head Coach Jay Johnson on Skip Bertman's passing. pic.twitter.com/MaVLhWFnkD — LSU Baseball (@LSUbaseball) August 14, 2026 "I love you Coach," Johnson said. "I will miss you, and will continue to work every day in a manner that I know would make you proud." This article originally appeared on LSU Wire: LSU baseball coach Jay Johnson issues statement on Skip Bertman