Sam Nader’s four granddaughters appeared in a reality television show, balancing their fashion careers and sisterhood far from their bayou roots.
His granddaughters, Brooks Claire, Mary Holland, Grace Ann, and Sarah Jane, are of partial Lebanese descent.
Sam Nader was a cornerstone of the LSU football program, holding the position of the longest-standing staff member for nearly five decades.
His journey with the Tigers began in 1975 as a graduate assistant and quickly became a full-time coach. Later, he was named the team’s recruiting coordinator in 1980.
Sam smoothly transitioned to handling the program’s day-to-day administrative operations when the NCAA changed its rules and was promoted to Assistant Athletic Director for Football Operations in 2000.
During his incredible tenure, he was part of two national championships, six SEC titles, and 30 bowl games, working under nine head coaches. Sadly, he retired after the 2020 season.
Coach Nador was there when LSU chose purple and gold, and he later convinced Huey Long to build a stadium over the dormitory.
Bryan Nichols
Sam Nader’s Roots Trace Back to Lebanon
Samuel Joseph “Sam” Nader’s heritage is deeply rooted in Lebanon, a country in the Middle East.
Although he was born and raised in the United States, his family history firmly defines his Lebanese ethnicity.
An institution of LSU Football. Dr. Sam Nader will be enshrined into the LSU Athletics Hall of Fame
— LSU Football (@LSUfootball) September 22, 2023
🔗 https://t.co/6iD3a2PJvn pic.twitter.com/Ha4nk5gbbU
Sam’s strong connection to his roots comes from both of his parents.
His father, Reverend Sam Nader, was the son of Tomas Nader and Olympia Thomas, born in the Lebanese village of Bookaz. He was a traveling minister.
His mother, Esma John, was the daughter of Joseph John and Annie Amuny. She was also born in Louisiana to Lebanese immigrant parents.
Sam was born and raised in the United States, but his family history is deeply rooted in Lebanon, which defines his Lebanese ethnicity.
Furthermore, he built his life and family in the United States, marrying Ann Gardner of Montgomery, Alabama.
They have three children, Breaux, Lauren, and John Ryan, and five grandchildren, Brooks Claire, Mary Holland, Grace Ann, Sarah Jane, and Alyssa Ryan.
The Guiding Faith of Sam Nader
Faith is the foundation of Dr. Sam Nader’s character. His humble beginnings are rooted in his Christian faith, a devotion that has remained central to his life.
He was kind, humble, and selfless.
I always tell people that I don’t have any patience because God gave it all to Sam.
Lois Stuckey
This deep-seated faith fuels the compassion and wisdom for which Sam is widely known.
His devotion also gives him a unique grit and passion.
During the 2020 season, he came to practice shirtless with a “T” painted across his chest when the team was practicing outside in subfreezing weather.
He is a motivator who fires up the team and delivers a powerful historic speech to inspire a significant victory.
His religion is the quiet engine behind his very public actions. It shapes his kindness, fuels his resilience, and guides his unwavering support for those around him.
In Case You Didn’t Know
- Love Thy Nader premiered on Freeform on August 26, 2025.
- The first season of the reality show consists of eight episodes, and aired its last episode on September 16, 2025.
