CHARLES "COACH BAGS" BAGLIO, JR. (1943 - 2024)

A LOUISIANA COACHING LEGEND WHO LEFT HIS MARK…

Written by Northshore Media Team

If you knew him, you loved him. One of the most successful high school football coaches in Louisiana, Charles Baglio, better known as Coach Bags, was a devout Catholic and living proof of what it takes to be successful in the game of football and life. His favorites were spending time with family, playing golf, going to the casino, and attending sporting events. His wife of 40 years, five children, nine grandchildren, and 22 great-grandchildren were his pride and joy.

Coach Bags was a 1967 Southeastern grad who spent 34 years on the sideline at Independence High School, 22 as head coach. His success on the sidelines earned him a place in the LHSAA and the NHSACA Halls of Fame. He co-founded the LFCA, played an integral part in shaping the LHSCA, and served as LHSCA President on the LHSAA Executive Committee.

In 2002, he joined the LSU Football staff under Coach Nick Saban to serve as the university’s high school liaison and was part of three national championship teams under Saban, Les Miles, and Ed Orgeron.

“Some knew him as Charles; others Charlie. His players and students knew him as Coach Bags, and his colleagues and other coaches knew him as Bags and Brim,” shared long-time friend B.J. Guzzardo. “He taught me the game of football and about life. From coaching me in the 7th and 8th grades to giving me my first coaching job, he was my confidante and always listened and offered honest advice. Besides my dad, Brim was my life's single most important man.”

Eldest granddaughter Candice Carona Sledge, better known as “Sis” to him, shared this about her grandfather. “Although his 205-69 was indeed impressive, it was the life lessons he taught so many along the way that are so priceless. He treated everyone equally and would literally give you the shirt off of his back if he needed to. And I don’t know if we could ever tally up all the rides he gave his players to and from practice in the back of his old blue F150 truck through the years.”

“He coached with passion and expected 100% from everyone, but his legacy went beyond the field. He wrote in all capital letters and spoke that way, too,” she continued. “He taught us always to be proud of who we are.” Candice also recalls him telling her that he could get more done in one phone call than most could get done in a 40-hour workweek. And she said, “You know what? He could.”

Independence alum Robin Abrams stated, “I was humbled to be the Chairman of the 2024 Sicilian Festival, where we celebrated Coach Bags as the Grand Marshal. As a former student, I can attest to his dedication to all he taught and interacted with. His positive attitude and influence have had a lasting impact on my life and so many others.”

“I will miss our daily conversations ending with him telling me, ‘Call me later,’” says long-time friend and colleague Coach Greg Marten. “It’s a painful loss for our family, but his legacy will live forever.”

Coach, like Sis said, you were a gift. We’re all better for knowing you and learning from the lessons you taught us. You truly made a difference.

Rest in Peace, Coach Bags.