Lynn Amedee, a former LSU quarterback whose decades-long coaching career left an indelible mark on college football, died Sunday at the age of 81. Known for his sharp football intellect, fiery competitiveness, and deep Louisiana roots, Amedee’s career spanned over four decades and touched nearly every corner of the Southeastern Conference and beyond.
Born in Baton Rouge in 1943, Amedee grew up just a few miles from Tiger Stadium, the same field where he would later make a name for himself as a standout quarterback for LSU. His deep ties to the community and his passion for the sport were apparent from a young age. Amedee starred at local schools before signing with LSU, fulfilling a childhood dream that would serve as the launching pad for his lifelong relationship with the game.
As a quarterback for the Tigers from 1961 to 1964 under head coach Charles McClendon, Amedee was a gritty competitor known more for his leadership and toughness than flashy stats. In an era when quarterbacks were asked to manage the game more than dominate it, Amedee brought a steady hand and a strategic mind to the huddle. His time at LSU helped shape his understanding of the game—an understanding that would later translate into one of the most respected coaching résumés in the country.
After a brief stint in professional football, Amedee transitioned to coaching, a move that allowed him to stay close to the game he loved while influencing future generations. His first significant break came at Tulane University, where he served as an assistant coach. From there, he embarked on a coaching journey that would take him to some of the most prominent programs in college football, including Tennessee, Texas A&M, Florida, Mississippi State, and of course, LSU.
Amedee’s coaching career was defined by adaptability, toughness, and a willingness to innovate—traits he honed as a player and refined as a mentor to young quarterbacks. He developed a reputation as an offensive mind with a knack for maximizing talent. During the 1980s and 1990s, Amedee became a respected offensive coordinator, often brought in to rejuvenate stagnant programs and breathe life into underperforming units.
One of Amedee’s most memorable coaching stops came at Texas A&M in the early 1980s, where he worked under head coach Jackie Sherrill. There, Amedee helped mold a tough, ground-and-pound offense that reflected his own hard-nosed playing style. His work with quarterbacks and offensive linemen earned him widespread praise, and his ability to simplify complex systems made him a favorite among players.
He later returned to LSU as an assistant coach, bringing his career full circle. Coaching at his alma mater was more than just a job—it was a calling. Amedee poured everything into helping LSU compete at the highest level. His dedication to the program and its players was unwavering, and he remained a beloved figure within the LSU community long after his departure.
Amedee’s time at the University of Florida also drew national attention, particularly for his bold coaching decisions and his commitment to building disciplined, hard-nosed teams. He worked under head coach Galen Hall and later under Steve Spurrier, navigating one of the most competitive periods in SEC football. His offenses weren’t always flashy, but they were efficient and physical—reflecting his belief that toughness and execution win games.
Despite moving frequently throughout his coaching career, Amedee never lost sight of his Louisiana roots. He returned home whenever possible and remained a fixture in Baton Rouge’s football circles. Whether attending high school games, speaking at coaching clinics, or simply catching up with old friends over coffee, Amedee stayed connected to the community that first nurtured his love of the game.
Former players often speak of Amedee with reverence, describing him as a coach who was both demanding and deeply loyal. He was known for his tough practices, exacting standards, and an occasional temper, but also for the deep care he showed for his players off the field. Many credit Amedee with helping them grow not just as athletes, but as men.
“You always knew where you stood with Coach Amedee,” said one former player. “He didn’t sugarcoat anything. But if you were willing to work, he’d go to battle for you.”
That straightforward, no-nonsense style made Amedee a valuable asset to every coaching staff he joined. He wasn’t one to chase headlines or court controversy. Instead, he preferred to do the work—day in, day out—focusing on game plans, fundamentals, and player development.
His coaching career also included a memorable stint at Mississippi State, where he served as offensive coordinator in the early 1990s. There, Amedee helped turn around an offense that had struggled in previous years, leading to one of the most successful periods in the program’s history. His ability to develop quarterbacks and install disciplined offensive schemes was instrumental in the Bulldogs’ resurgence during that era.
Though he never served as a long-term head coach at a major program, Amedee’s influence on the game is undeniable. He mentored hundreds of players and assistant coaches, many of whom went on to have successful careers in football themselves. His coaching tree runs deep, especially in the South, where his name still carries weight in locker rooms and coaching clinics.
In interviews, Amedee often spoke about the importance of preparation, discipline, and playing with heart. He believed that football was about more than winning—it was about commitment, character, and resilience. Those values were instilled in him during his playing days at LSU and carried with him throughout his coaching career.
Even after retiring from coaching, Amedee remained active in the sport. He frequently attended LSU games, kept in touch with former colleagues, and consulted with high school programs throughout the state. He had a special passion for helping young quarterbacks, often taking time to break down film or run informal throwing sessions in the offseason.
As news of his passing spread, tributes poured in from across the college football world. Coaches, players, fans, and journalists all expressed their admiration for Amedee’s contributions to the game. Many noted that his legacy goes beyond wins and losses—it’s about the lives he touched, the players he molded, and the programs he helped build.
“Lynn Amedee was the kind of coach every player should have the chance to work with,” said one former SEC assistant. “He taught you how to be tough, how to prepare, and how to play the right way. He didn’t care about the spotlight—he just wanted to make his team better.”
In many ways, Amedee represented the best of a bygone era in college football—an era defined by loyalty, grit, and authenticity. He wasn’t flashy. He didn’t chase fame. But he left every place better than he found it. And for those who played for him, coached with him, or simply knew him, that’s what they’ll remember most.
He is survived by his wife, children, grandchildren, and a wide network of former players and friends who considered him family. His legacy will continue to live on in the programs he helped shape and the people he inspired.
In Baton Rouge and across the SEC, the loss of Lynn Amedee marks the end of a chapter in football history. His career was a testament to what it means to love the game—fiercely, humbly, and completely. From the fields of LSU to the sidelines of some of college football’s most storied programs, Amedee left behind a legacy rooted in passion, purpose, and perseverance.
And though the whistle has blown for the final time, the echoes of his impact will resonate for generations to come.
