NEW ORLEANS– Michael Desormeaux looked comfortable at his second Sun Belt Media Day.
Dressed in a red blazer and grey pants, the Louisiana head coach talked on a litany of topics, including his first year leading the Cajuns program.
“I think in that first season, there’s a lot of, flashing lights and things kind of all over the place that you’re trying to hone in on,” Desormeaux said. “To focus on what’s important and, certainly, it starts with me. There’s a head coaching change and there’s a whole lot to that, and then you have staff change, and then certainly, you know the roster changes as well, there’s a ton of distractions.”
Louisiana went 6-7 during the 2022 season and closed out with a loss in the Independence Bowl against Houston. However, when you look at the seven losses, four of them came on the final possession. Now, the Ragin Cajuns will look to have more stability in terms of health and playing time.
“I really believe it’s the continuity that we’ve got,” said Desormeaux. “You’ve got coach-player relationships that are now on two years, at least, you’ve got play callers on both sides of the ball that have worked with that staff for a year now. Going into year two, all your systems and things like that are in place. We’re the only school in the conference that’s been able to keep all 10 of our assistant coaches. It’s not because they didn’t have other opportunities, but because they chose to stay here and they believe in these kids and this program and what we’re doing and I think continuity is something that has such a bigger impact than what people give it credit for.”
Part of that continuity will be Ben Wooldridge returning from injury this offseason to start at quarterback in 2023. Three quarterbacks played in 2022, with Wooldridge, Chandler Fields, and Zeon Chriss all taking snaps. “Ben has been 100% cleared to participate, so we’re going to roll with him,” Desormeaux said to the media Tuesday.
With players all over the field that have playing experience, the Louisiana Ragin Cajuns will look to build off the 6-7 campaign in 2023 when they open against Northwestern State at Cajun Field on September 2.