LAFAYETTE — Michael Lotief has been fired as Louisiana-Lafayette’s head softball coach.
The university issued at statement Wednesday afternoon which stated, “Following complaints of students and a staff member of the Louisiana Athletics department, the University of Louisiana at Lafayette has terminated head softball coach Michael Lotief, effective immediately.
“Lotief violated University and UL System policies by subjecting student-athletes and coworkers to violent, vulgar language and verbal and physical assault, creating a hostile learning and working environment.
“Behavior of this nature will not be tolerated,” University President Dr. Joseph Savoie said. “I want to commend the students for coming forward. They exemplified great courage in sharing their stories.”
A national search for a new head softball coach will begin immediately, according to director of Louisiana Athletics Dr. Bryan Maggard.
Loitef was placed on administrative leave on Oct. 6. but the university did not provide the reasoning behind the leave.
Lotief’s career coaching record is 729-174 and had led the Cajuns to five straight NCAA Super Regionals between 2012 and 2016, claimed seven NCAA Regional titles, made three trips to the Women’s College World Series (2003, 2008, 2014), routinely has his teams nationally ranked and has won a dozen Sun Belt Conference tournament titles.
Lotief joined the program as a volunteer coach in 2001, became co-head coach with his wife Stefni from 2002-2012 before taking over as sole coach in 2013.
The Ragin’ Cajuns open up the 2018 season on Feb. 8 against Samford in the Mardi Gras Classic held at Lamson Park.