Louisiana Athletic Director Bryan Maggard says he doesn't know if the Ragin' Cajuns' next football coach will be someone with head coaching experience or coordinator experience.

He doesn't know if the coach will have experience at the Power Five level.

But he knows what qualities he's looking for.

"We will identify someone who is the right fit," Maggard said.  "Someone who can build relationships with our Cajun culture, our brand and our fan base.  We'll find someone who will build solid relationships with our players.  Someone who can develop players and who can recruit.  He will be a proven winner from successful programs."

Maggard praised Hudspeth and his staff for the academic progress of the student-athletes and said the new coach will need to sustain academic excellence.  "We'll look for someone with discipline and someone who is demanding but not demeaning."

Maggard said he did not have a timetable for the hire, but expects there to be a lot of interest.  "This is a very good job," Maggard said, "and it will be highly sought after."  He also said no decision has been made as to whether a search committee or search firm would be appointed or hired.

Maggard said he met with Hudspeth at 8:00 this morning to inform him of the decision. "He was nothing but first class," Maggard said.  "He said he was grateful for the opportunity.  And, we are grateful for what he's done here.  He leaves the program in better shape than when he got here."

After their meeting, the two also met with the current coaching staff, support personnel and the players themselves.

"He set the bar high," Maggard said, but stressed the expectations for the program had not been met.  Maggard said the on-field record, the declining season ticket sales and the general apathy of the fan base which showed in attendance figures were factors in the decision.  He also said the locker room video last November and the arrest of 13 players were not direct factors in his decision.

Maggard announced wide receivers coach Michael Desormeaux has been named as the coordinator of the football program until a successor is named.  Only one of the assistant coaches was under contract, but that is null and void with Hudspeth's departure.  Current coaches will be expected to continue to work and recruit for the university and it will be the ultimate decision of the new head coach to decide the future of the assistants.

Maggard said the terms of the buyout on Hudspeth's contract, which had three years remaining, will be honored.

 

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