Lucas named head football coach
Contact: Dart Volz, Sports Information; Rene Abadie, Public Information
12/14/06
HAMMOND -- Michael Lucas, who has served as Southeastern Louisiana University’s interim head football coach for much of the past season, has been appointed head coach, university officials announced today.
His appointment is pending approval by the University of Louisiana System.
Lucas joined Southeastern in 2005 as defensive coordinator under then-head coach Dennis Roland.
“We are excited to name Mike Lucas head coach,” said President Randy Moffett. “He has served our football program well as an assistant coach and later as interim head coach. He is a leader who knows our program and players well and has earned their respect. In addition, he has proven to be an excellent recruiter.
“Mike brings the needed stability and continuity that a young football program needs, and we see him helping to move our program forward in the Southland Conference,” Moffett added. “His many years of experience in the conference, working under some excellent head coaches, has prepared him for this challenge.”
Lucas, who is currently heavily involved in recruiting efforts, will be officially presented to fans and the media on Monday.
“I am very excited about this opportunity,” Lucas said. “I appreciate the confidence Dr. Moffett and the search committee has shown in me. I’m anxious to get our players back after the holidays so we can begin our preparations for the 2007 season.”
As assistant coach at Southeastern, Lucas also served as the liaison to the Career and Academic Planning Center. The CAP Center assists with all advising and tutorial services provided for Southeastern student-athletes. After his first year, the team G.P.A. saw a considerable increase, doubling the number of football players attaining a 3.0.
Lucas previously served as defensive coordinator and assistant head coach at Sam Houston State for 15 years repeatedly producing defensive units that ranked among the best in NCAA Division I-AA football and the Southland Conference.
During his time at Sam Houston, Lucas guided the Bearkat defense among the top 15 in national defensive statistical categories 11 times and led the Southland in defensive statistics five times. The defense set several school records in his tenure including marks for most quarterback sacks (52, 2001) and fewest points allowed (13.2 ppg, 1991). Under Lucas, the Bearkat defense turned out seven defensive players who signed National Football League contracts and two who were NFL draft choices.
At Sam Houston, Lucas coached 41 defensive players who earned All-Southland honors a total of 65 times. Prior to joining the SHSU staff in 1987, Lucas previously served as defensive coordinator at Eastern New Mexico where his squad led the Lone Star Conference in total defense and scoring defense and ranked third nationally in punt returns.
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