CONDOLENCES: Expresses sincere and heartfelt condolences upon the death of Coach Pat Collins.
SCR 34 is a simple concurrent resolution expressing the Louisiana Legislature’s condolences on the death of Coach Pat Collins, who died on February 12, 2026, at age 84. The resolution recounts his life and career, including his upbringing in Shreveport, his education at Fair Park High School and Louisiana Tech University, and his long coaching career at Louisiana Tech, Northeast Louisiana University/ULM, and other schools in Louisiana and Texas. It highlights his role in Louisiana football history, especially the 1987 NCAA Division I-AA National Championship, and notes his induction into the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame in 2015.
The resolution also honors Collins as a husband, father, mentor, and community figure, emphasizing his faith, leadership, and influence on generations of players and colleagues. It directs that a copy of the resolution be transmitted to his family as an expression of sympathy and respect. As a memorial resolution, it does not create or amend substantive law, change agency duties, or appropriate funds; its legal effect is limited to the Legislature’s formal expression of condolence and recognition.
The general sentiment surrounding the bill is unanimously positive and respectful. The Senate adopted the resolution 36-0 and also approved co-authors 16-0, indicating broad bipartisan agreement and no recorded opposition. The tone of the bill itself is celebratory and commemorative, focusing on Collins’s accomplishments, character, and lasting legacy.
There is little to no contention associated with SCR 34. Because it is a condolences resolution, the measure is noncontroversial and ceremonial rather than policy-driven. Any discussion would likely center on honoring Collins’s contributions to Louisiana athletics and acknowledging his family and former players, rather than on competing viewpoints or substantive policy differences.
SCR 34 has no substantive impact on Louisiana statutes, regulations, or agency operations. It functions as a ceremonial legislative resolution that formally records the Legislature’s condolences and recognition of Coach Pat Collins’s life and achievements, and it authorizes transmission of the resolution to his family. The only affected parties are the Collins family, former players, colleagues, and the broader Louisiana sports community, which is honored through the Legislature’s public tribute.
The sentiment is strongly favorable, respectful, and mournful. Both the resolution text and the unanimous Senate vote reflect a shared desire to honor Coach Pat Collins’s legacy in football, education, and mentorship. The absence of any recorded dissent suggests the measure was viewed as an appropriate and unifying tribute.
There is essentially no notable contention. SCR 34 is a condolences resolution, not a policy bill, so it does not present competing interests, fiscal concerns, or legal disputes. The only substantive focus is the extent of Collins’s accomplishments and the Legislature’s formal expression of sympathy and appreciation.