Brian Kelly sends condolences to family of longtime broadcaster Ed Daniels

Ed Daniels, a longtime Louisiana sportscaster, passed away this week at age 67. He suffered a medical emergency earlier this month and WGNO-TV announced his death on Friday.

After LSU’s practice on Saturday, Brian Kelly opened his press conference with condolences to Daniels’ family. He was a fixture around the Louisiana sports scene and was with WGNO since 1992.

Kelly also recalled the last time he spoke with Daniels. It was at SEC Media Days last month, and the coach joked Daniels did something others in the media room didn’t – he carried his own camera.

“I hate to open up the press conference with bad news, but it is with a heavy heart that we pass on our condolences to the Daniels family,” Kelly said. “We lost a great one with Ed. Lost his battle here the other day, and I think we all know him as a passionate sports broadcaster here in the state of Louisiana and the work that he did was incredible. Whether it was high school, college or the pros.

“Last time I got a chance to be with him, it was SEC Media Day. Unlike some of you elitists in here, he was carrying his own camera – I’m kidding. He had his camera, and he was actually waiting for a couple of the guys. But that’s who he was. I only knew him for a couple of years, but certainly for those who knew him longer, he certainly will be missed.”

Daniels was a fixture in Louisiana and was known for his Friday Night Football segment, which focuses on high school athletes around the bayou. He suffered a heart attack in California while covering Saints training camp and flew back to Louisiana after receiving treatment at a local hospital, WGNO said.

The Saints and Pelicans also released a joint statement after Daniels’ death. Both franchises, owned by Gayle Benson, expressed condolences to his family. Benson also provided Daniels’ flight home, his wife said in a letter to the Clarion Herald.

“The New Orleans Saints and New Orleans Pelicans are saddened by the passing of longtime New Orleans sports personality Ed Daniels,” the statement read. “Ed was one of the longest-tenured members of the media in our market, covering the Saints for over 40 years and covering the Pelicans (formerly Hornets) since they began play in New Orleans in 2002.

“A New Orleans native, Ed also had a great love for his hometown, both as a sportscaster and as a man, recognizing the importance of high school sports locally and the value of them to our youth. We send our thoughts and condolences to Ed’s family, friends and colleagues.”