The Lafayette-area high school football coaching landscape is undergoing significant changes following a disappointing 2025 season, where no local teams advanced to the finals for the first time in over a decade. This has prompted schools from Lafayette Parish and surrounding areas to make coaching adjustments in hopes of rebuilding their programs. Key hires and resignations include Brent Indest taking over at Wildcats, and Donald Fusilier stepping in for the winless Bears. Other schools are still searching for new leadership as they conclude seasons with mixed results.

By the Numbers
  • None of the local teams made it to the finals for the first time in 10 years.
  • Broc Prejean, the winningest coach in Vermilion Catholic history, resigned after leading the team to a 4-7 record in 2025.
State of Play
  • Several teams are actively seeking new head coaches to revitalize their programs.
  • New hires include Brent Indest at Wildcats, who has a successful past leading playoff teams.
What's Next

Schools will need to finalize their coaching searches promptly to prepare for the upcoming season and implement effective strategies to regain competitiveness. The hiring process could reveal new talent in leadership positions that might change the trajectory of struggling programs.

Bottom Line

With a critical coaching turnover period underway, schools must act decisively to attract experienced coaches who can enhance team performance and restore pride in local high school football.