A Louisiana College Cancels Football Season, Coach Resigns

Get our free mobile app

A tragedy has forced a Louisiana college into making some tough decisions.

In a stunning turn of events in the college football world, Northwestern State University in Natchitoches, Louisiana has canceled the rest of their football season. According to a post on the NSU website, the University has decided that effective immediately, the remainder of their football season will be canceled. The also announced that coach Brad Laird has resigned as the teams Head Coach.

NSU says that the major factor in it's decision is the recent death of junior safety Ronnie Caldwell and the impact of his loss on the staff, student-athletes and the student body as a whole.

“Ronnie was a beloved member of our community, and we miss him dearly,” said President Marcus Jones. “While our instinct was to return to the field of play following his death, we’ve since learned that the hurt on our team was too deep. Now it is in the best interest of our players, coaches, and staff to pause and to take this time to mourn, to heal, and to support Ronnie’s family.”

Like wise, Coach Brad Laird has decided to resign from the team following the tragic passing of Ronnie Caldwell. Coach Laird had the following to say about his decision:

Due to the loss of Ronnie and the emotional burden it has caused me, I don’t feel I can give my all to these players or this program. Any coach will tell you that their players become like family, so the loss of Ronnie was like losing a son. I love this program and this university and I know it will persevere and move forward with the competitive spirit that is at the core of our DNA.

Caldwell was shot and killed on October 12th, 2023. An investigation into his death is on-going.

Assistant Head Coach and Defensive Coordinator Weston Glaser will act as interim head coach while the team makes a decision on its future

All ticket refund inquiries for the remaining two home games should be directed to Scott Maggio at maggios@nsula.edu.