LAFAYETTE – Mark Hudspeth has been fired as Louisiana Ragin' Cajun head football coach after seven seasons.
Louisiana's 2017 season ended Saturday in a 63-14 loss to Appalachian State, leaving the Cajuns at 5-7, ensuring a third straight losing season.
Director of Athletics Dr. Bryan Maggard released a statement Sunday about the firing.
“I met with Coach Mark Hudspeth to discuss the future of our Football program, and I informed him of my decision to move the program in a different direction, relieving him of his head coaching duties.
“Transitions like this are never easy for anyone involved, and I am extremely grateful for the commitment and service Coach Hudspeth, Tyla and their children have given this community in addition to the improvements made within our Football program over the past seven years.”
Hudpseth was hired as the 26th coach in program history in December of 2010, leading Louisiana to a 9-4 record and thrilling R&L Carrier's New Orleans Bowl victory in his first season. It was the program's first Bowl berth since 1970.
The Ragin' Cajuns would go on to win the next three R&L Carrier New Orleans Bowls, posting 9-4 seasons in each of Hudspeth's first four seasons, and won a share of the Sun Belt Conference Championship in 2013.
In 2015, it was revealed the NCAA was investigating the Louisiana football program for violations by former assistant coach David Saunders. Saunders was guilty of providing payments for recruits living and education expenses, as well as exam fraud, and failure to comply with an NCAA investigation, all committed by former assistant David Saunders.
While the NCAA did not find Coach Hudspeth culpable for the NCAA infractions, the University vacated 23 wins between 2011-2014, including two of the four R&L Carrier New Orleans Bowl championships.
In 2015, Louisiana finished 4-8.
In 2016, Louisiana ended the regular season 6-6, but lost to Southern Miss in the R&L Carrier's New Orleans Bowl.
Hudspeth's record at UL was 51-38, but with vacated victories, technically finished 28-38.
Hudspeth is owed a $1.5 million buyout.
According to Maggard, Michael Desormeaux will serve as the acting director of the Cajun football program.
“We will be committed to finding a coach who exemplifies the values of the University of Louisiana and the Department of Athletics, an individual who prioritizes the academic success of our student-athletes, builds positive relationships with those he coaches, is a relentless recruiter, places a strong focus on player development, and is a proven winner,” Maggard said.