Cedric Figaro, to the left, will be leading the South Plaquemines Hurricanes football team in their 2012-2013 season.

South Plaquemines High has a new football coach and a renewed sense of optimism about the future of the program. 

Principal John Barthelemey Jr. announced in a press conference that former NFL linebacker Cedric Figaro will be leading the Hurricanes in their 2012-2013 season.

“He’s an outstanding guy. He’s a well-rounded coach, and he’s a man that’s going to bring back integrity to our program,” said Barthelemy.

The hiring decision came down to two candiates, but Barthelemy stated that he was really looking for someone with strong character. “He’s a good guy, and going to instill great values in our kids,” Barthelemy stated.

Figaro’s coaching credentials are lengthy and diverse. He has been an assistant coach at Lakeview in Campti located in north central Louisiana, as well as head coach at St. Bernard High School for two seasons in 2003-04 before leaving the school in August of 2005. Figaro has also coached NFL Europe, interned with the Jacksonville Jaguars, and done some personal training.

Additionally, Figaro— a Lafayette native— has some impressive credentials as a player. In his college years, he was a four-year letterman at Notre Dame from 1984 through 1987 following an All-State career at Lafayette High School, where he was a highly recruited athlete. During his time at Notre Dame he played under Coaches Jerry Faust and Lou Holtz, two men he says were a big influence on him. Figaro played seven seasons in the NFL with teams like the San Diego Chargers, Indianapolis Colts, Cleveland Browns and St. Louis Rams.

Figaro says he is a “community guy,”  so he is excited to come to a school with such strong support from local residents.

“You have a community following, you have people that care for the kids. That’s why I made my choice to become the next head coach,” Figaro explained. “Throughout history we know South Plaquemines has been a powerhouse and we want to bring that back.”

Figaro has big plans for his team both on and off the field, among them are leadership strengthening, community involvement and academics.

“We’re going to do things in the community. I think just helping out in the community is a big thing,” Figaro said. “We want to make sure that they are productive in life and not just football. Academics are the first thing, because academics allow us to participate in sports.”

Figaro is the third coach to come to South Plaquemines in three years, and he is aware that team is lacking a strong leader who can guide the young athletes in the right direction.

“I’m here to help. There’s some coaches that came through, and I think some of the kids felt that no one wants to stay for them. I told them that I’m here but you have to be part of it too. So as a combination of the community and the kids, I think we can bring a winner back.”